Homegarden 09 28 15 by NorthEast Oregon News

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Think ahead — protect your pipes from freezing

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Published by THE OBSERVER and BAKERCITY HERALD iagrandeobservercom I bakercilyherad.com La Grande Observer: 1406 5th St., La Grande, Oregon 97850 Baker City Herald: 1915 1st St., Baker City, Oregon 97814

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Kari Borgen: Regional publisher Andrew Cutler:Observer publisher/editor Jayson Jacoby: Herald editor Frank Everidge: Regionaloperations director Karrine Brogoitti: Advertising manager

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Seal your outdoor deck, fences before winter hits

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Bring the warm autumn palette indoors this fall

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PAGE 2, HOME & GARDEN

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215Elm Street La Grande ~~g©~~ (5 41) 963-5440 THE OBSERVER, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Winter lawn care tips for a

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better spring There are a few things you can do during even the harshest winter that can ensure a beautiful, lush yard once spring rolls around again. FERTILIZING INTHE WINTER Late fall or early winter are the best times to fertilize cool season grasses. Since the majority of the lawns in North America are made from these grasses, like Bermuda and bluegrass, it is a good bet your yard has a typical cool season blend. Before the first freeze, give your lawn a thorough fertilizing to replace all of the nutrients that can be lost from the soil during the hot summer months. Once the weather turns cold, the fertilizer will remain in the soil and feed your lawn's roots all winter long. MOWING STRATEGIES During the last month of the summer you should gradually lower the cutting base ofyour lawn mower each time you mow the lawn. Slowly cutting your grass shorter will allow it to winter well without shocking it by cutting it all off at once. If you leave your lawn too tall during the winter months, it will be prey to field mice and other burrowing animals that want a warm place to sleep. Mice can destroy large parts of your lawn by building nests. They create dead spots where they spend all of their time as well as pulling up large amounts of grass to build their structures. AVOID EXCESSIVE LAWNTRAFFIC When the grass is brown and short it can be easy for people to forget that it shouldn't be walked on.Tiy to prevent very much foot traffic on your winter lawn. Grass is relatively resilient, but it will have a difficult time recovering if a path becomes well worn across the lawn. Keep your sidewalks cleared of ice and snow so that you and your guests won't be tempted to cut across the yard very often. Never allow anyone to park a truck or a car on your lawn. Even the smallest vehicle will leave impressions in the soil and kill off the grass that is underneath the tires. Using the lawn as a parking lot is the fastest way to kill the good grass and make room for crabgrass and other types of weeds. Source: lewncere.org

By Tiish Yerges ForVVesCom News Service

There are several things you can do to prepare your lawn and landscape for the winter seasons. Landscaper Dale Worden, owner of Hurricane Creek Landscape and Design of Enterprise, has been serving Union and Wallowa counties since 1979, helpingresidents preserve and nourish their lawn and landscape year round. eWith the lawn, you definitely want to put a fall fertilizer on sometime around Labor Day," said Worden. "I always tell people to put fertilizer on three times a year, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. So sometime between Labor Day and when it starts freezingwould be a good time to do this." W eed and feed applications don't do too much for the lawn in the fall. Worden favors using the 27-12-12 fall fertilizer that he purchases locally. He cautioned that triple 16 fertilizer is a great hay field fertilizer, but not for the lawn. "If a homeowner has roses, take all the long parts off the roses and prune them until they are about waist high so the snow doesn't break them down," said Worden."If you have shrubs that are prone to be broken down by the snow, then tie them. Alberta spruce have that problemand arborvitae along with some junipers that are cylindrical." Pruning during the fall is a great way to prepare your trees, shrubs and perennial bushes. 'The best time to prune anything is when your pruners are sharp," said Worden.'With rhododendronsyouwantto prune them right after they get done blooming, same with lilacs, but with most everything else it's not going to hurt too bad.

THE OBSERVER, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Tim MustoeIVVesCom News Sennce

Russ Osterloh manages his garden outside his Fir Street house in La Grande that was once a church. Osterloh added to the 14-year-old garden with his own tomatoes, beets, cantaloupe, squash and pumpkins.

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Tim MustaeIVVescom News Sennce

Besides growing vegetables and fruits, Russ Osterloh grows a variety of flowers such as lilies, dahlias, roses and alums in his garden. When you prune, make sure your pruners are sharp so they cut and not tear. The long-handled pruners will make a larger cut, and you can reach farther. Hand-held pruners, of course, are more maneuverable."

Around the first of October, W orden advises towinterize your sprinkler system. "Shut the water off at the source. If it is an auto-drain system, you're in pretty good shape," said Worden,"but if it's

not an auto-drain system, then blow them out with compressed air — light, not more than 50 pounds of pressure. You need heavy volume, light pressure." If you're going to do any lawn seedingorfi xing ofbare spots, don'tfeed beyond September because there isn't enough time for it to grow. Thatching doesn't hurt in the fall, but it's better to do this in the spring. To avoid winter die-offdueto a drysummer likewe'vehad, Worden advises, 'You really want to water them heavily. If we get rain, fine, but lately we haven't gotten much rain in the fall .Give them a good,good drink of water and put them to bed — same with deck plants." It's still a good time to do your fall planting, Worden said, because in the fall, you want the roots to grow but not the tops. As always, feel free to consult your local nurserymen because that's their training. HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 3

Think ahead — protect your pipes from freezing By Tiish Yerges ForVVesCom News Service

Frozen pipes can mean a costly repair, but with a few materials from your local hardware store and someadvicefrom your plumber,you'llavoid thoseworries. First, do the obvious and disconnect all garden hoses and install coverson alloutsidefaucets. Keep your home temperature at 68 degrees or higher, and crack open cabinetdoorsbelow sinks to allow warm air to circulate around exposed pipes. In case of a pipeline break, always know where the main water shut-off valveislocated.Afterthese basic steps, it might be time to visit your plumber. Travis Burling, owner of Advanced Plumbing Technologies in La Grande, has served Baker, Union and Wallowa counties since 1996,and he offered some professional advice for homeowners. "Brass is the first thing to usu-

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Tim MustoeNVescom News Sennce

Seth Freeman of KIE Supply demonstrates the proper installation of heated tape to a pipe. The tape is controlled by a thermostat and emits low temperature heat. The tape should not spiral around the pipe in order to properly protect it against winter freezing. Added insulation and heated tape protect pipes from the elements. ally freeze, so when we do a thawing, that's the first place we look," he said."Then we look at metal, whether that's galvanized or copper. The most freezeresistant is supposed to be PEX polyethylene

cross-linked tubing." Any pipes exposed to the weather would be the first priority for protection. Finished basements providea little m oreprotection for pipes, butpipesin crawl spaces

Keep pipes warm during cold spells There are several simple remedies to keep water pipes from freezing when the weather turns severely cold, as well as several remedies that can be costly. In either case, the idea is to prevent cold air from entering or to warm the area where cold air can't be stopped from entering. If pipes freeze, check for pinhole leaks or cracks (after they've thawed) that can cause serious water damage to the home. Here are ways to keep pipes from freezing in the first place: • Leave the cabinet doors under the kitchen sink open so that the room air can warm the pipes. • Place a lamp with a 60-watt bulb in the potential problem area to warm the walls and pipes. Make sure there are no combustible materials near the bulb. • With rigid foam insulation, close and seal all foundation vents that are near water pipes. • Insulate the foundation walls and the ends of the floor joists with rigid foam insulation. • If the crawl access is inside the home, set a fan in the opening to blow warm air from the home to the foundation. Don't use a fan when the access is in an unheated garage or outside the home. • If the water pipes are freezing inside the exterior wall, cut an opening in the wall to expose the pipes to the home's warm air. Place fiberglass insulation behind the pipes, between the pipes and the home's exterior wall. The hole in the wall can be covered later with a hinged door or a panel that can be removed during cold spells. • Have the home's exterior walls insulated. Caulk and seal around doors, windows, house faucets and outside outlets. — Dwight Barnettis a certifiedmasterinspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors.

and cold basements without lights would be suspectto freezing. Insulation alone does not preventpipes from freezing,butit does help slow down the transfer ratefrom heat tocold. "Insulating will reduce your BTU loss, so it will prolong the chance of it withstanding the subfreezing temperature longer," Burling said."If it's left by itself, it will freeze." Some homeowners use a heated reflector lamp, placed in a dry, enclosed box with the light aimed on the drain p-trap to keep it from freezing. "Any lamp is good, but you want to follow the recommendations so that nothing starts on fire," said Burling."Lamps or cow parlor heaters are good, and they will take off the chill and you can even temperature set them. The cow parlor heaters are pressure sensitive so if they get knocked over, they turn off automatically. They

also have a little fan to blow out some heat." Wrapping the pipe with heater tapesisan effective way ofheating the pipe itself, but it only slightly heats the water inside. 'You definitely want to be sure thata professional doesthat," cautioned Burling, "because if it's not grounded correctly, then that's where they've had problems withfiresin the past. Butifitis installedcorrectly,it'sgrounded to the right area. It basically turns on viaatemperature sensor setat a temperature that keeps it from freezing." Another option is the thermostaticwater recirculation system which keeps the water moving throughout the pipelines. It's a little more expensive, but it works well, said Burling. Many of the newer indirect on-demand boilers have this system installed on them or you can have it put on your own system.

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THE OBSERVER, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Get covered on the proper way to dispose of paint cans t

f you look in almost any homeowner's garage, you'll probably find a half-empty paint can or two. We know we can't pour the leftover paint down the drain — which would contaminate the water treatment systemsand we can't toss it in the trash without risking environmental damage and potential harm to the sanitation workers. So how do we get rid of old paint?

Take paint cans to a drop-off site Spend some time locating your nearest hazardous waste facility, and see if they accept paint. Or mark your calendar for any community"roundup" days, when temporarysitesare setup for collection. Some states, such as California, Connecticut, Oregon and Vermont, have paint stewardship laws that

LIVING SMART STACI GIORDULLO allow paint retailers to accept leftovers. The storestake leftover paint during regular business hours, making paint recycling and disposal much more convenient and safe. Similar legislation is expected to pass soon in Minnesota, Rhode Island and Maine.

Let it dry out If there's less than a half-inch of paint left, take the lid off and let it dry out until it becomes hard. Make sure to keep it out of the reach of children and pets. "Then it's OK to throw away in the trash," says Greg Mrakich, owner of Greg Mrakich Painting in Indianapolis.

In California, where tossing paint is illegal, residents need to take leftovers to a paint retailer or hazardous waste drop-ofK Also, don't try this with oil-based paints — too manyfumes.

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Mix paint in kitty litter If there's more than a half-inch oflatex paint left in the can, stir in cat litter or a paint-hardener compound you can purchase from the hardware store. After you mix it in, let it sit in the open for a day and dry out. Then it's OK to toss it in the trash.

Donate it "Sometimes local charities will want some ofyour good, leflover paints," says JoshuaAbramson, chief solutionist forAAllbright Painting inValencia, California."Especially whites and olf-white colors."

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Some states, such as California, Connecticut, Oregon and Vermont, have paint stewardship laws that allow paint retailers to accept leftovers. The stores take leftover paint during regular business hours, making paint recycling and disposal much more convenient and safe. Another option for homeowners working with a painting contractor involves a little sweet-talking. "Ask nicely ifhe or she could clean

out your paint locker at the end of the project," says Michael Chism, president ofhighly rated Chism Brothers Painting in San Diego.

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HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 5

CHANGING YOUR HOME TOA By Jayson Jacoby VVesCom News Service

Dean Boman remembers a house he once owned in Union where he frequently felt a breeze. When he was inside. With the doors and windows closed. This is a problem. If the wind can find its way inside your home, then so can the frigid air of mid-winter. And this migration works both ways. The BTUs that your furnace or woodstove pumps out will seep through the same gaps that let outside air barge in. And since BTUs aren't free, you might as well stand by the door or window and slip dollar bills between the jambs or slide dimes under the sill. It's not always simple, or cheap, to transform a home from an energy sieve to a BTU fortress, said Boman, who works for Scott's Heating & Air Conditioning. Older homes, for instance — generally those builtbefore about 1980 — tend to be deficient in attic insulation, he said. That's not the easiest fix. But Boman said almost any homeowner can at least nibble at energy losses by plugging gaps in window frames or beneath doors with weatherstripping or similar products that are widely available and relatively inexpensive. "Every little bit helps," Boman sald. Windows and doors are notorious energy thieves — and not only because people tend to leave them partially open. PAGE 6, HOME & GARDEN

Over time seals around both can shrink, creating a small but significant passage for air. But there are less obvious avenues, as well, such as electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures and kitchen stove exhaust fans. Spending a couple hours sealing these with a tube of caulking or a can of expanding foam insulation can pay dividends. If you're still not satisfied with your heating bill, Oregon offers homeowners a variety of financial incentives, including tax rebates, to help them pay for such things as replacing an inefficent furnace. As an example, homeowners Jenninka can get a credit on their Oregon income taxes for any of the following that are more efficient than what the state considers standard models: • Ductless heat pumps • Duct sealing and testing • Furnaces and air handlers • Geothermal heat pumps • Heat pumps • Heat recovery and energy recovery ventilation equipment •W ood andpelletstoves The tax credit is based on the amount of energy saved above standard models. The tax rebate program has certainrestrictions,however. For heat pump installation and diagnosti cs,and forductsealing and testing, the work must be done by a technician certified by the Oregon Department of Energy. More information is available online at www.oregon.gov/ energy/RESIDENTIAL/pages/ Michael Chrittcn/Akron Beacon Journal residentialenergy tax credits. Steven Racin solders a joint as he prepares to install a new aspx. hot water heater. •

New energy standards could cost you money New energy standards for water heaters may cost you the next time you have to replace yours. There's a silver lining, though: For most people, the water heaters should save enough in energy costs to more than make up the price difference. And the Earth will benefit from reduced demands on energy resources and lower greenhouse gas emissions, supporters of the new standards say. With most tank heaters, manufacturers will be able to meet the new standards with some fairly small modifications. With larger heaters, however, technologies will be required that could increase the cost of a water heater by hundreds of dollars. And the changes might complicate some installations, hiking the cost even more. The new standards were set by the federal government in an effort to make water heaters more efficient in their energyuse.It'snota new phenomenon: Ever since the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act was enacted in 1987, the government has set minimum efficiency standards for common household appliances and has periodically raised those standards to drive improvements. Those standards have cut energy use by refrigerators, clothes washers, air conditioners and other products as well as water heaters. The newest water heater standards, which took effect in April, mean most newly manufactured gas, oil and electric tank heaters will have to use less energy than before to heat the same amount of water. Tankless water heaters are subject to the new standards, too, but most already meet them. The bottom line is that the next time you buy a water heater, you'll probably have to pay more upfront, even though you may save in the long run. Just how much you'll pay, however, is hard to say. The most popular types of water heaters — 40-gallon gas water heaters and 50-gallon gas and electric models — will see the least change, said Chuck White, vice president of technical and code services for the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association. For those heaters, manufacturers can probably meet the new standards by adding insulation, tweaking combustion or both, he said. — The Akron Beacon Journal

THE OBSERVER, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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By Tiish Yerges

ForVVescom News Service

Harvesting the produce &om yourhome garden can be gratifying, but enjoying those foods with fliends late into the fall season is even better. Entertaining with harvest foods doesn't have tobeelaborate,and it can be fun for your guests, too. For example, why not try a buildyour-own shish kebob dinner with fliends? Most of your prep for this meal involves cutting up garden veggies into squares that can be speared through with a skewer. Patty Dennis, who recently purchased Crave-a-Bowl Grill in Baker City, caters to clients throughout Baker County, and she had some tasty tips for a shish

kebob party menu. '%hen selecting veggies for your shish kebob, cherry tomatoes, squashand bellpeppersare allreally good choices," said Dennis. She also suggests skewering sweet onions, zucchini, slices of corn on the cob, potatoes, asparagus and large carrots. "As for meats, chicken is the easiest to eatbutm ostpeople like steak," said Dennis."I always marinate mine using a mixture of orange juice with diferent vinegarsand flavorings.Then,of course, you add your onions and peppers and everything you're going to put on your skewers, and let all of it marinate together so that incorporates all the flavor into the meat and vegetables. Do

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Cherise KaecheleNVescom News Sennce

Entertaining guests at a party with garden harvest foods is not only an easy way to put together a meal â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it's a celebration of dedicated gardening and nutritious foods. that for about 12 hours and then barbecue it." As side dishes, try some spaghetti squash sauteed in butter and sprinkled with garden-grown herbs or one of Dennis' favorite dishes. '%hat we do at my house is

pick the green beans and peas and saute those up with some bacon," said Dennis.'You can also do that with squash, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Or you could make a corn garden salsa because we have corn coming up now. Put tomatoes,alittlepepper and corn

with some cilantro in there." To go with dinner, some gardeners have brought out their blackberry wine &om last year's harvest. "That could go very well with a shishkebob because it'sreal fluity," said Dennis. Another garden beverage that couldbe served ishotcidermade with apples &om your trees. 'You can also flavor that hot cider with pears, peaches, huckleberries or blueberries," Dennis suggests. To topoffthe m eal,considera dessert made from garden-grown berries. "I think strawberry shortcake goes with everything," said Dennis."It's a universal dessert. Also zucchini bread is good. Every year when we bring in our zucchini, we shred them and &eeze them so that we can have zucchini bread throughout the year. You can also add different flavors to your zucchini bread like blueberries, bananas and lemons."

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What is household hazardous waste? HHWis anything labeled toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive or explosive. These materials can threaten family health and the safety of pets and wildlife. What are some examples of hazardous waste? Aerosols, Bleach, Drain Cleaners, Metal Polish, Mothballs, Oven Cleaners, Toilet Bowl Cleaners, Ammonia-based Cleaners, Mercury Thermometers, Wood Polishes, Waxes, Fertilizers, Insecticides, Herbicides, Rodenticides, Spa and Pool Chemicals, Roofing Compounds, Antifreeze, Batteries, Motor Oil, Paint Strippers and Thinners, Gasoline and more. Where can Isafely dispose of my hazardous waste? La Grande Facility:Open to any resident of the three counties every other Tuesday, Sam-12 noon. By appointment, however, small labeled quantities accepted daily. (541) 963-5459. Baker City Facility:Open the first Wednesday of each month, heaverage ho 10am-12 noon. By appointment only. (541) 523-2626. can accurnul Enterprise Facility:Open the 2"' and 4" Saturday of each month rnuch as 100 ate as hazard pounds a" ous waste 0

HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 7

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• Ragweed is one of the most common allergens and can be kept at bay right at the entrance of your house

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room. Then throw those clothes in the washer promptly. Line-drying Pollen from ragweed is a prime cause of hay fever and considered by Keeping autumn allergens such clothesorbedding isnotrecommany to be the greatest allergen of all pollens. as mold, ragweed and dust mites to mended due to windblown allergens. Making moreragweed a minimum in the house is possible Dust mites are another common • Pollen must travel by air Separate female with regular strategic cleaning and allergen, and this type requires and male flowers to ano t h er plant to a few preventive measures. regularand aggressive cleaning complete fertilization Since moisture breeds mold, check strategies to keep them under dishwashers, the water pan under control. Some sources recommend Pollen the refiigerator, and sink and bath vacuums with Hepa filters; others Magnified Male drains for mold. Change water disdo not. flower • Wind can carry "Hepa filters on vacuums are pensers and check icemaker filters pollen up to 400 mi on a regular basis. Remove wet just a good way to sell a vacuum. (640 km) leaves from the gutter and yard, and It means just about nil," said Carol Female flower keep yard waste far away from the Long of A-1Vacuums inLa Grande. • Grows "Instead, vacuum once every other house so it doesn't get tracked in. up to 5 ft. • Each plant can produce (150 cm) Ragweed is one of the most day and clean out the vacuum freup to a billion pollen grains common allergens and can be kept quently. What happens with these Some relief at bay right at the entrance of the machines is that they have dog hair, Courtesy photo • Rain and low • Stops releasing • Pollen count highest morning temperatures house. When entering the house, cat hair and water in them, and pollen only after a shortly after dawn; Some sources recommend vacuslow the pollen release frost kills the plant breezes help release they get plugged up and lose their ums with Hepa filters to control quickly strip off work or sports Source: Mehna Yinghng Graphic: Cornell unNensty, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of Amencan © 2010 MCT clothes before going into any other efficiency immediately." dust mites, a common allergen.

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FormiesCom News Service

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THE OBSERVER, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 20i5

Long has repaired just about every model of vacuum available in the past 28 years, and she said that plugged up machines is the main problem she sees. She's repaired more high-end models than other types, indicatingthat the saleprice doesn'tguarantee good suction, which is what you need to combat dust mites. "If you're going to get the dust mites out ofyour house,then you need to vacuum your bed once a week," Long said.'That's because the more you sweat, the more bacteria forms in your mattress." Covering the mattress and pillow cases in dust-proof coversalso helps,asdoeswashing the bedding in hot water i130 degrees) or higher at least once a month if not more often. "Also, when shampooing a carpet," said Long, "use warm water, not hot water, because hot water shrinks the padding under the carpet. Vacuum the carpet all four ways and go slowly on your carpet and furniture to make sure you get all the dirt out of it." To protect the couch or sofa from dust mites, put a washable slipcover on them and then wash it weekly. Dust mites usually die in extreme temps or when the humidity in a room is below 70 percent, so use a dehumidifier and dust regularly.

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HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 9

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palette in oors this fall By Tnsh Yerges

bringing in accents of red, yellow and green can be a The autumn leavesmay greatway to add warmth or drift by yourwindow and update your look for fall." winter's chill may prevail If a person is on a limited outdoors, but with a few budget, try"repurposing" affordable interior design things you already have, changes, you can bring the such as an old pitcher or autumn palette indoors to bring in some greenery from enjoy a warm ambiance all your yard or fall garden. winter long. Pair sunflowers in a vase Residential and comwith a small grouping of mercial designer Jessica pumpkins or squash. "Look in your shed or your Dearinger, of JD Designs in La Grande, serves clients barn," said Dearinger."Do throughout Northeast Oreyou have any salvaged wood gon and other areas, and she that you can make into a offered a few tips to warm up simple f'rame? Aged wood can add a rustic fall look to your home this winter. Choosing colors that any space. Update some of bring warmth to your rooms those old family pictures in depends a lot on what you frames around your house to already have in your home. pictures of your family out in "If your home is primarily the beautiful fall colors." cool tones, possibly grays, With a larger budget, you whites and blues, these can tackle painting an area can beaccented for thefall in yourhome oradding in with warm yellows, oranges some new fabrics with a and reds," said Dearinger. warmer tone that is comple"If your home already has mentary to your space. "Change out your window warm tones such as beige, brown or cream, then treatments with a fabric that For Wescom News Service

PAGE 10, HOME & GARDEN

will create a warmer ambiance," suggested Dearinger. 'Try swapping out accent pillows on your sofa or perhaps just add another one. Lightingis another great way to add warmth. Adding a floor lamp or table lamp is always an easy fix. Ifyour budget allows, you might add sconces in your diningroom ifyouhave room, orupdate your existing fixture. Adding a mirror will help reflect the warmth of the new lighting." Gold tones are a good way to add warmth, and these tones are really trendy right now, said Dearinger. Why not change out your framed wall art for something in a gold frame? cWe probably all have oldgoldorbrassframes, candlesti cks or aclock that we could pull out of storage," said Dearinger. Your choice of fabrics with patterns or even a yellow or red accent throw blanket can create added coziness and warmth to your room.

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HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 11

Spiders eam their keep as natural pest control in the garden By Kym Pokomy OSU Extension office

CORVALLIS — In corners and alongbaseboards,on ceilings and spun between shrubs, spiders crawl through our lives this time ofyear. "Spiders are on the move right now because they're looking for a mate," according to Gail Langellotto, an entomologist with Oregon State University's Extension Service. "The domestic house spider is one that regularly makes its way into houses in fall and if you haven't seen one in the past, it can bea startling sight,"she said. "If you include their legs, they're about as big as a silver dollar." OSU Extension Master Gardeners have been getting questions about whether there are more spiders this year and if they're bigger, Langellotto said.

Lynn Ketchum phato

Garden spiders help out in the garden by eating pesky insectsand other spiders. 'There aren't more spiders than usual and they aren't larger," she said."Most likely, you're just seeing a species you haven't seen in

the past." Langellott o recognizesthefear some peoplehave toward spiders but points out they have attri-

butes, including their fascinating process of spinning beautiful webs and their predatory nature, which is an important tool in the garden. "Plus, they're just cool and awesome," she said."They don't feed on plants; they catch and kill things. They are natural pest controls. I hope people will learn you don't have to be airaid of them. If you have room in your heart and garden, don't try to kill them with pesticides." Even if you can't bring yourself to like spiders, keep in mind they aren't easily killed by pesticides. The amount and concentration needed is often higher than what's necessary to kill insects, which poses greater risk to humans, Langellotto said. If they're inside, sweep them up and escort them outside. In the garden, just leave them be and thegl eventually make supper of each other or get

eatenby reptilesand birds. For people who want to encourage spiders — and Langellotto acknowledges that doesn't apply to everyone — she recommends adding more trees, shrubs and perennials to provide anchor points for web-building spiders to spin their webs. Spiders spin diferent types of webs, she said. Some build funnel webs, while others make sheet webs. Some have combs on their hind legs that they use to "back comb" silk and make a messylooking tangle web. But it's the classic orb weaversthatpeople associatewith spiders. They dispense strands of silk, which fly through the air, hit something and stick. Then the spider starts to fill in the middle, creating the intricate, lacelike webs that trap prey so efficiently. Although the silk is stronger than

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HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 15

Slow cooker meals a lifesaver for busy families t

am sure there are many other parents IN THE KITCHEN out there who felt like life went from zero KATIE LAMB to 60 miles per hour during the first week of school. Along with the 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. school 1 bay leaf (optional) day came homework and sports practices, Seasoned salt to taste ( I add which last until 7:30 p.m. Throw in church about 2 tablespoons) class and other activities, and life just keeps Brown ground beef and onion in skillet. gettingbusier. Some nights, the only way I can make Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cook dinner work for my family of four is to get on low 8-10 hours, or until vegetables are to the slow cooker out. It had seen limited use done to your liking. over the past three months, but between Place slow cooker on warm setting until our now crazy schedules and the arrival of you are ready to serve. Remove bay leaf cooler temperatures, my favorite kitchen before serving. Add additional salt to your likappliance was ready to help out. ing. Fresh apple slices make a great addition I use my slow cooker often and have yet to this meal. to fix a recipe that my family did not eat. A little bit of work the night before or in Slow Cooker Chili the morning will have your family fed at 2 pounds of lean ground beef, cooked any hour dinner happens to arrive. We don't eat in shifts at our house, so din- 1 medium or large onion, diced (add to beef while cooking) ner has been around 7:45 p.m. 4 cans dark red kidney beans, undrained Even thoughdinner is happeninglatein the 2 cans diced tomatoes with chilies, undrained evening, thisis usually the onlytime all four of 2 cans tomato sauce us are together duringthe week Everyoneis 2 packets of store-bought chili happyto come home and have the meal waiting. seasoning (mild is best for kids) Don't be afraid to take advantage oftim e1 tablespoon of cumin saving items to round out the meal. Dash of chili powder Ifthe recipe callsforriceon the side,don't Dash of garlic powder hesitateto use instant rice.Ifslow-cooker chili is on the menu, bake a box mix of cornbreadtogoalong.My kidsloveto help out Brown the beef along with the onion. Add making salad from a bag. beef mixture and all of the following ingreSome easy ideas to go along with the dients in to the slow cooker, stir and cook on main dish are sliced apples and storelow for 5 to 6 hours. boughtveggietrays. After 5 to 6 hours, place slow cooker on Bottom li ne:When you have a hungry warm setting. Enjoy chili with a side salad and family, itdoesnotneed to be fancy toplease a cornbread muffin. eventhepickiesteaters.

VeetableBee Sou 1 pound extra-lean ground beef 1medium-sizedonion,chopped 3 cups water 12 ounces vegetable juice 3 medium-sizedpotatoes,cubed 14"/z -oz. can Italian diced tomatoes, undrained 1 cup celery, sliced 1 cup carrots, sliced 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes 2 teaspoons dried basil PAGE 16, HOME & GARDEN

Teri aki Chicken and Rice 4-5 boneless chicken breasts (I use frozen) 1 bottle of thick teriyaki sauce (any brand will work. Make sure it's thick) 1 8-ounce can pineapple chunks Placechicken in slow cooker.Add sauce and stir. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. Add pineapple to slow cooker. Serve chicken, pineapple and sauce over rice. Chicken cooks much faster than beef does. Check close to the 4- or 5-hour mark to see if chicken is done.

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Go underground with bulbs for colorful spring bloom • Before heading to the garden center, do a little research so you can choose early, mid- and late-blooming varieties By Kym Pokomy

for planting, bulbs can go into the ground until mid-December. CORVALLIS — When it comes to plants, When shelling out money for bulbs, make bulbsare about aseasy asitgets. sure you choose large ones. The bigger the 'You plant them in fall, theygrow over winbulb, the bigger the bloom, Stoven said. Also, avoid those with mold or soft spots, which ter, flourishin spring and go dormantin summer," said Heather Stoven, a horticulturist with signal rot. Plant as soon as possible, but if Oregon State University's Extension Service. something comes up to delay you, store bulbs "Once they're in the ground, theydo quite well in a cool, dim place such as an unlit garage. over multiple years with little maintenance." Before heading to the garden center, On top of that, bulbs are drought-tolerant. make a plan. Decide on color combinations. "That's one of the great things about them," Do a little research so that you can choose she said."Since they go dormant in summer, early, mid- and late-blooming varieties for they don't need to be watered." a longer display. Think about what to plant If you plan to intermingle bulbs with together— amix ofdifferenttypesofbulbs is anattractive option. perennials or place them near shrubs, pair "Groupings are really nice," Stoven said. with plants that don't need much irrigation, 'You'llgeta m assofcolor." Stovensaid.Or,ifthe area doesgetregular water, make sure the soil drains well. When digging the hole, it's best to follow Bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocus directi ons on thepackageforplantingdepth, and hyacinth are planted in fall because but a general rule of thumb is three times as they need some time to get their roots going deep as the bulb is wide. Add some organic before pushing up to put on a spring show. material — compost, well-rotted manure or Although October and November are ideal mulch — to the bottom of the hole, place bulb OSU Extension office

pointed side up and cover with soil. Adding fertilizer is not necessary, but ifyou feel compelled, use super phosphate or a low-concentrated product labeled for bulbs, Stoven said. There's no need to dig bulbs up after flowering, but letting the foliage turn brown and die back is a good idea so that the nutrients contained in the leaves return to the bulb and it can start the cycle once again. Here are Stoven's recommendations for uncommon spring-blooming bulbs:

Fawn lily An Oregon native wildflower with dainty, nodding white or yellowish flowers and brown-stained leaves. Doesn't mind shade and looks inviting in a woodland setting.

Grecian windflower Delicate, star-like flowers come in blue, white and pink on friily foliage that melts away soon after bloom is over. Best used in a mass."Blue is especially nice to have as a contrast to yellow daffodils," Stoven said.

Allium Part of the garlic family, this deer-resistant bulb puts up a stem with one ballshaped flower, usually in shades of purple, pink and blue, more infrequently white. Sizes vary widely from the 10-inch flowers of"Globemaster" to the tiny pops of one-inch drumstick alliums.

Fritillaria Another group ofbulbs with wide variation. On crown imperial fritillaria iF. imperialisl, bell-shaped flowers in orange or yellow hang in clusters from single stems up to5 feettall. The much-smaller native checker lily iF. aSnisl has dark purple flowers spotted irregularly with yellow.

Species tulips Just like their big siblings, but shorter, hardier and longer lasting. These bulbs will seed themselves so they11 naturalize and give years of enjoyment.

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HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 17

Winter flowers make a heady statement in the garden By Kym Pokomy

OSU Extension office

CORVALLIS — Just as the worst of the weather makes an appearance, the flowers of winter arrive, blooming as cheerfully as the showoffs of spring. "One of the coolest things about gardening in the Pacific Northwest is winter gardens," said Neil Bell, a horticulturist with Oregon State University's Extension Service.'We have the opportunity to plant things that people who arenot aware ofor even interested in gardening will look at and be amazed. The way to do that is with flowers and scents." One of the most showy of the cold-weather shrubs, Bell said, is Mahonia"Charity," a relative of nativeOregon grape with bountiful spikes of yellow blooms as big as baseballbats.The large evergreenleaves give theplanta tropical look and make it a standout in the shady perspective it

Neil Bell phato

Flowers of Camellia sasanqua appear as early as December. Blooming right smack in the middle of winter, this 8-foot camellia doesn't get the mushy, brown flowers some hybrids display. thrives in. Snow is no deterrent for this easy-care, 10-foot shrub that will take temperatures down to minus 5. A bonus is the multitude of darkpurple berriesthatfeed birds when they especially need 8

the nutrients. "Spring is overwhelming with flowers," Bell said,"but in winter it's surprising. It's nice to see something that's so unexpected. And then there's the scent — such

an enjoyable thing." For those who are only familiar with camellias that bloom in spring, Camellia sasanqua will come as a pleasant surprise, Bell said. Blooming right smack in the middle of winter, this8-foot camellia doesn'tget the mushy, brown flowers some hybrids display. White-blooming "Setsugekka" is easily found, as is "Yuletide," the most popular of the Camellia sasanqua with its Santa Claus-red flowers decorated with prominent puffs of yellow stamens that provide sustenance for overwintering Anna hummingbirds. In the darkest part of the year — sometimes before Christmas — the vanilla perfume of sweetbox hovers on the air. The small white flowers aren't a big deal, but the scent more than makes up for that.Theshiny,dark green foliage is similar to its relative the boxwood and useful as a hedge

or backdropforcolorfulperennials and annuals in other seasons. Several species are on the market, most commonly Sarcococca ruscifolia and S. confusa, both topping out at 5 feet. Thegl take temperatures down to around 5 degrees and grow happily in shady, dry areas of the garden, where most other plants turn up their toes. Blooming October through March, two months earlier than the Oregonnativefl owering currant iRibes sanguineuml, is the chaparral currant iR. malvaceuml of the California coastal ranges. The 5-foot shrub attracts hummingbirds that will sip the nectar and forage for bugs among the foliage and sweetly &agrant, downward-facingpink flowers. Other birds will snatch the fruit for their meals, usually before humans get to it. Many gardeners will be happy to know that deer will typically leave chaparral currant alone.

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THE OBSERVER, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Versatile apples offer many different uses in the kitchen he old English phrase — "eat

T an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread" — originated in the 1866 edition of Notes and Queries magazine,"A Pembrokeshire proverb." It has been phrased many times in many ways. When I was growing up it was said,"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." But apples have many diferent connotations — let's notforgetthe forbidden fruit of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Back in the biblicaldays appleswere justreferred to as fruit. The recipes that I am sharing today fall into the gooey and decadent, sinful category. Iencourage you toeatapples freshly picked. Although eating an apple a day may not necessarily keep the doctor away, it is a healthy choice. Apples contain vitamin C and phenols, which reduce cholesterol. They are also known to reduce tooth decay, by cleaning your teeth and killing bacteria. Iencourage you to eata fresh apple after you have baked and eaten some of these sweet and rich apple delights. I came across this phyllo recipe in search of something that I have not made before. These turnovers arepretty basicto m ake.Isuggest that you keep the butter-brushing to a minimum, which helps to keep the turnovers crispy, but if they come out a bit gooey eat them right away because they are simply delicious. On the lighter side, the Apple & Spinach Quesadilla is a refreshing twist to the traditional quesadilla. This has greens in it ~u can use kale instead of spinach), and the applebrings on abitofsweetness that makes for a perfect lunch, especially when served with fresh fruit. I used Gruyere and extra sharp English cheddar, but Brie would also work. If you have been following my column you might know that I truly love most any cheese. Finally, I am sharing a recipe that is a bit of a stretch for me. This cake looks really diffrcult. Truth be

IN THE KITCHEN KAREN KAIN told,therecipe takesafew steps but is quite easy to make and it looks fabulous. I enjoy making new desserts with fresh fruit, and this one almost classifies as healthy because there are so many apples on top. Even though this recipe calls for a good amount ofbrown sugar it is not too sweet. The apples left in slices are crispy. Ifyou want a softer r. • F' topping, chop the apples and cook them until they are soft. Either way this is a delicious recipe that really Karen Kain/ForWesComNews Sennce works well together. For these apples and greens quesadillas, you can use either spinach or kale.

le Turnovers With P llo 1 pound Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored 8r chopped /2cup sugar, more for sprinkling 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon salt /2package Phyllodough sheets or puff pastry dough 1/8teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon fresh nutmeg 1/3 cup butter, melted Adjust the rack in your oven to the middle position and heat to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheetwith parchment paper. Put the apples, sugar, lemon juice and salt into a food processor and pulse until the apples are in small pieces, about 6-8 pulses. Let the mixture set for 5 minutes, then put into a fine mesh strainer and allow the mixture to drain for about 20 minutes. Roll one sheet of phyllo onto the parchment paper and brush lightly with butter. Fold in half and brush with butter again. Be careful not to use too much butter. It will make them soggy. Fold one of the sides up making a square, and put1-"/2 tablespoon of filling into the center and fold again into a triangle, like you would fold a flag. Brush with just a tad more butter, sprinkle with sugarand a dash ofcinnamon, then lay on the baking sheet. Once all the

THE OBSERVER, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

turnovers are prepared bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. Check after 10 minutes to make sure they don't over cook. If they come out a bit gooey, flip them over and return to the oven for a few minutes. Thesearequite sweetandyummy. If you have more of a savory palate, omit the sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon and add '/4 cup of extra sharp English cheddar.

pan mustard side up. Sprinkle the tortilla with half the cheese. Then sprinkle the greens, jalapeno and onions. Layer half the apple slices over the top and cover with another tortilla. Cook for two minutes then gently flip and cook on the second side for two minutes or until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown. Serve with diced avocado.

Apple 6 Spinach

Fresh A le S ice Cake

uesadillas 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 teaspoonsApple cider vinegar 4 flour tortillas 6 ounces Gruyere cheese grated 6 ounces extra sharp English cheddar, grated 1 Fuji apple cored Scut into 1/4-inch slices 2 cups greens chopped (kale, spinach, arugula or a combo) 1 jalapeno pepper seeds, removed and diced 3 green onions, diced 1 avocado, diced Mix together the Dijon and vinegar. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spread a tortilla with half the mustard mixture and lay it in the

For the cake 1-1/3 cups firmly packed light brown sugar 3/4 cup butter, softened 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon table salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup buttermilk For the apples 2 poundsMclntosh apples (about 6 apples) 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1/4teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of table salt 2 tablespoons butter

For the apple brandy caramel sauce 1 cup whipping cream 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1-2 tablespoons brandy 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the cake Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Using a Kitchen Aid, beat the sugar and butter together. Add the eggs one at a time beating until blended. Add the vanilla. In a separate bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and baking soda. Add the flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Place parchment paper in the bottom of a 9- x 2-inch round greased and floured cake pan. Bake at 350' for 50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack10 minutes then remove from the pan, and cool for about one hour. For the apples Cut apples into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. In a large mixing bowl toss the apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and salt, using a wooden spoon to thoroughly combine. In a large skillet melt the butter on medium high and add the apple mixture, then saute for 8 minutes. Cool completely. (This version the apples will be crispy. If you prefer them more like apple butter, chop up the apples and cook until they soften.) Arrange the sauteed apples over the cooled cake and drizzle with desired amount of warm Apple Brandy Caramel Sauce. For the sauce Bring whipping cream to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar, stirring to fully incorporate and cook for 5 minutes, until smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in brandy, butter and vanilla. HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 19

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By Stacy Downs

Tnbune News Serwce sT '.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.— The cool autumn air serves as a reminder thatit'stim e to sealdecksand fences. "Fall is our busiest time," says Dave Sullivan, owner of Wood Re New, an outdoor wood cleaning and preservation company."People are looking ahead to winter." The cold, snowy season is damaging to untreated exterior wood. Any time wood gets wet, it swells. When it dries, it contracts. And when it freezes, it starts splitting open andnailsstarttopop out. Having a deck treated professionally can cost between $400

and $600. Prices vary depending on the deck's style, the wood's condition, the height and other factors. Fence sealing can be more expensive. The cost ranges from

$500 to $1,000, depending on the intricacy and length of the fence. To clean and seal exterior wood yourself, prepare to spend a little more than $50 for cleaning supplies, a spray applicator, sealer and bristle brush at the hardware store. If you want to get the wood especially clean, consider a power washer, which can be rented for about $60 a day at equipment rental companies, or purchased startingabout $200. "People aren't always confident about using a power washer, which gets the wood cleanest," Sullivan says."They can gouge wood with one." Exterior wood turns gray from dirt and the weather. When it's cleaned and sealed, the more vibrant brown color returns. People should treat their decks and fences about every 18 months to keep them looking good and to prevent mold, which rots wood, Sullivan says. Cleaning and treating wood is usually a two-day process, he says. Day 1: Cleaning and power washing For decks, clearoffeverything: PAGE 20, HOME & GARDEN

Times News Service photo

while spraying will scar wood. Arc the wand up and away from the surface at the end of each stroke. Use wide strokes. Stand closer for chromated copper arsenate and other treated lumber. For softer wood, such as cedar and redwood, stand farther back. Avoid spraying windows and painted siding. • Pressure: The most pressure you want to use on soft woods such as cedar and redwood is 1,500 pounds per square inch. Deck restoratio n contractorsoften recommend using cold-water power washers, with pressure set at 2,800 to 3,200 pounds per square inch, for CCA-treated wood. Hot-water power washers, using 2,000 to 2,800 pounds per square inch, can be used on grease and chemicals. • Nozzletips:Fourtip sizesare usually used for power washers. The numbers refer to the degree of spraydispersal: 0: The spray pattern is a concentratedstraight stream. Never use this tip for your exterior wood becauseitwillcausedamage. 15: Use for tough cleaning jobs. It's good fordeck cleaning. 25:Use formodest cleaningjobs. It's good forfences. 40: Use for light cleaning jobs. It's good for more frequent clean-

ing jobs.

• Horsepower: A commercialgrade power washer with pressure of 2,800 to 3,200 pounds per square inch should have a 9- to 11-horsepower motor. • Hoses: Power washers typicleanser on wood with an applica- Use a brush to remove shoeprints callycome with 50 to 100 feetof tor and allow it to stay on about 20 or dripspots.Apply a second coat high-pressure hose. If you need minutes before removing it with a about 15 to 30 minutes later, while to get the machine closer to the the first one is still wet. surface to be cleaned, it's usually power washer or a garden hose. Day 2: Sealing best to add more supply hose iuse Using a power washer Make sure wood is dry. Test by a V2-inch garden hose). • Practice: If you don't power • Water supply: Most power puttinga few dropletsofwater ontothe wood. Ifwaterabsorbs wash correctly, you can damage washers require 3 to 5 gallons into the wood in 1 to 2 seconds, it's wood. Practice on old boards beof waterperminute to operate. ready for treatment. Set up drop fore doing your deck or fence. Know what the requirement is for cloths again. Apply water repellent • Technique: The wand should al- your unit. City water systems ususealer with a sponge mop. Treat ways stay in motion when it is close ally have enough water pressure vertical then horizontal surfaces. to the wood. Stopping the wand to supply power washers.

The cold, snowy season is damaging to untreated exterior wood. Any time wood gets wet, it swells. When it dries, it contracts. And when it freezes, it starts splitting open and nails start to pop out. Having a deck treated professionally can cost between $400 and $600. Prices vary depending on the deck's style, the wood's condition, the height and other factors. Fence sealing can be more expensive. The cost ranges from $500 to $1,000, depending on the intricacy and length of the fence. grills, furniture and planters. Try toremove grease stainsby scrubbing them with a solution of dish soap and hot water. Spray wood with water. Mix wood cleaner in a 5-gallon bucket. Redwood usually needs a specialcleaner.Try to use a non-bleach cleaner ibleach will kill plants and grass) or use drop clothsto protectlandscaping. Clean any overspray immediately with a soapy, wet rag. Spray

THE OBSERVER, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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541-962-2639 HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 21

Getting in the spirit of the holidays with a Latin menu s the holidays approach, any ofus starttocrave tamales. Homemade tamales are delicious any time of the year, but there is something special when they are made with holiday spirit. It has been a tradition for many Latin families to gather together and make dozens of tamales to be shared as a meal and given as

gifts. This recipe, although simple, is time consuming and certainly is a much more enjoyable experience when you have an extra pair of hands. If you have never done so, I encourage you to start a new traditionand gather friends together to makea batch oftamales for your loved ones to share. The origin of tamale-making has been traced back to the ancient Mayan people. It is believed that tamales originated in Mesoamerica as early as 8,000 to 5,000

IN THE KITCHEN KAREN KAIN BC. It's a tradition found in many cultures from the Americas to central Mexico to Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Each culture has its own recipe, which is typically made of masa ia starchy dough) stuffed with pork or other ingredients, then wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks and cooked by steaming or boiling. The wrappingisdiscarded before eating. Tamalesare often served topped with sauce. In recent years tamale-making is typically thought of as a group of women working together preparing dozens of tamales. They are then shared with family

and given as gifts around the holiday season. There are many ways to make tamales. Here is one version:

Pork Tamales To prepare the pork 1 large onion, sliced crosswise into 3 rounds 4 cloves garlic, skins removed 1 jalapeno pepper 3 ounces dried Pasilla chilies 3 ounces dried Guajillo chilies 1TbsVegetable oil 3 pounds pork shoulder 1 carrot 2 bayleaves 1 cinnamon stick 5 cloves 1 teaspoon Oregano 1 teaspoon Coriander seeds ground 2 teaspoon Salt For the sauce 2 large onions, minced

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3 ounces dried Pasilla chilies 3 ounces dried Guajillo chilies 4 large cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoonsesame seeds toasted 5 tomatoes 2 teaspoons honey 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon cumin ground 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds ground For the masa 4 cups masa 4 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons salt 1 cup butter 2-1/2 cups reserved pork stock For the tamales 2 packages dried corn husks To prepare the pork Move your oven rack to the top position and set broiler to high.

Place the onion, garlic and jalapeno on a baking sheet and broil on each side, flipping once browned. In a skillet large enough for the pork to fit in, heat up the vegetable oil on high. Add the pork and brown for 5-7minutes on each side,making sure the meat has contact with the pan until each side is nicely browned. In a large stock pot add about 5 cups of water and add the charred onion, garlic, jalapeno, 1 Pasilla chili, 1 Guajillo chili, carrot, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, Mexican oregano, ground coriander and salt. Add the pork and heat the pot up to boiling and then bring down to simmer, cover and cook until the pork falls off the bone, about 3 hours. Transfer the pork to a bowl, and strain the liquid reserving the stock for the masa. When the pork has cooled, shred by using two forks or your hands.

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To prepare the sauce Wipe down the dried chillies with a damp a r paper towel and cut the tops off. Cut down the length ofeach chile soyou can open it up. ,y L )p Remove the seeds and light colored membranes, and lay the chilies flat on a baking sheet. Put the chillies in a 350-degree oven and roast for a few minutes until you can smell the sweet fragrance of the peppers. This will bring out the flavor, but be careful not to burn. They will become bitter. Submerge the roasted chiles in a bowl of boiling water, removed from the heat and rehydrate for 10-15 minutes. Gently remove the chilies and discard the liquid. I used a food processor to mince the onions. Heat up the oil in a skillet and add the minced onions and garlic. Fry over medium low heat until the onions Karen Kainircr WesCom News Service are fully caramelized. This will take about 40 Preparing pork tamales can become a favorite, and tasty, holiday tradition. A pork minutes. Add the sesame seeds to the bowl tamale is prepared on a bed of corn husks. of a food processor and process until they are well incorporated. the masa slowly and the reserved pork stock to finely ground. Add the tomatoes and puree. Add the pureed sauce to the pork and stir the butter mixture and beat until light and fluffy Add the drained chiles and caramelized onto fully incorporate. Separate the cornhusks (about 5 minutes), scraping down the sides of ions and run the food processor until smooth. and rehydrate them in hot water. Once they the bowl. The mixture should be the consistenWith the food processor running add about are soft, dry the husks with a clean towel. cy of cookie dough. Add more liquid if needed. 1/4 cup of reserved pork stock. Add more if To test your masa drop a little ball into a glass needed.Youshould notneed more than1 of water. It should float on the surface. cup. The mixture should be smooth and with- To prepare the masa out clumps but still thick. Add the honey, salt, Whisktogether the butter, baking powder oregano, cumin and coriander and puree until and salt until fluffy. I used a Kitchen Aid. Add To prepare the tamales

Place1 corn husk on a clean surface. Using a flat spatula spread a thin layer of masa on the husk and place a spoonful of pork mixture in the center. Fold the side flaps of the husks together and bring up the bottom, similar to a burrito. Leave a nice rectangular package with 3 sidesclosed andonesideopen.Placethetam ale with the flaps facing down on a baking sheet. Depending on your preference, you can tie the tamale with a strip of the husk. Wrap all the tamales. Prepare a deep pot with a steamer insert by filling the pot with water until the waterline is just below the level of the steamer insert. Place the tamales in the steamer vertically, with the open-end facing up. Generouslywet a kitchen towel, and place the towel(s) on the sides of the tamales and cover the tops before putting the lid on. This helps to keep the steam in the pot. Bring the pot to a boil. Turn down the heat so you can barely see a steady stream of steam escaping. Steam the tamales for 1-1/2 hours. Make sure you check the steamer periodically to make sure you don't run out of water. Toserve, unwrap your steamed tamales, leaving them on the husks. Cover with your favorite salsa and sour cream and serve. These tamales will keep for about a week in the fridge, or for a few months in the freezer.You can re-steam or heat them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel to warm them up.

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THE OBSERVER, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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