November 2010
Issue 5
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Where to Find Laredo Family Time Magazine Look for Laredo Family Time Magazine at these locations: The Sweet Spot
Quik Rentals
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Aeros Mexican Restaurant
Unique Wheels
Imaginarium of South Texas
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Contents Departments 6
Editor’s Note
18 Spanish Bits 22 Parent-of-the-Month
Articles 5
Family Tips
11
Family Time-Meals
14
Laredo ‘s Newest Addition
24
Turkey Tips
Resources & Columns 12 Critters & Crayons 30 Community Board
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Family Tips
As the shifting economy affected people all across the country, a surprising thing happened. Even though money was tight and jobs hung on the line, Americans reached out to help others through service. In 2009, 63.4 million Americans volunteered to help their communities, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service. That's an additional 1.6 million volunteers compared to 2008, making it the largest single-year increase since 2003. Volunteers of every age group and walk of life said yes to helping others and put in 8.l billion hours of service. People volunteer for a variety of reasons - as a way to get behind a cause or to share their passions. No matter what their reason, volunteers know that they have the power to make a difference for someone else. You can make a difference, too. Find something that you're passionate about or something that inspires you, and then find a need in your community. Start by committing one hour a week - that one hour can help a student learn to read, feed a senior citizen, shelter a homeless pet or inspire a young artist. Many community organizations are in need of extra hands, including local fire departments. Eighty percent of fire departments in the United States are volunteer fire departments. Since so many departments are in need of extra hands for nonfire related tasks, such as filing paperwork and organizing, it's a great way to put your time to use to better the lives of those around you. Make a Difference - Change Your Clock Change Your Battery
Make your home safer Twenty-three years ago, Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) recognized a disturbing trend that many home fire fatalities were taking place in homes without working smoke alarms. So the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery program was developed to help reduce this number. Along with thousands of fire departments nationwide, Energizer and the IAFC have been reminding communities to check and change their smoke alarm batteries and to make sure their smoke alarms are working when they set their clocks. This year, daylight saving time ends Sunday, November 7. Use that extra hour to make your home safer by changing the batteries in your smoke alarms.
Help others be safer In many communities, fire departments are able to distribute free batteries to citizens in need as a result of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery program. Over the past 23 years, Energizer has donated more than 4 million batteries to local fire departments. This year, residents can take a simple step to protect themselves and also help local fire departments across the country protect families in need. Energizer is giving everyone an opportunity to help supply local fire departments with free smoke alarm batteries to distribute communities nationwide. As part of its new "Now That's Positivenergy" program that focuses on creating positive energy within communities, Energizer is providing a way for people to help increase the donations. Beginning Oct. 16, a visit to www.facebook.com/energizerbunny and a few simple clicks while on the site will help drive the number of batteries Energizer will donate to local fire departments, up to 400,000 batteries.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images All materials courtesy of: Energizer 5
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Dear Friends and Readers,
Editor’s Note
T
his month, we celebrate families as well as offer some very keen Thanksgiving tips and recipes.
As the start of the holiday season fast approaches, and families start planning their dinners and get-togethers, we take a look at the meaning of families. Families come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the conventional to the non-conventional. They are made up of a father, mother, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. They can be large families or small families. The truth is that families are comprised of loving individuals who come together and have a very special bond.
Blended families, working families, single-parent families...whatever your family, it is always a great time of the year to come together and give thanks for being a part of it.
In this issue, we profile Laredo’s newest family-friendly restaurant which recently opened its doors. We also bring you Thanksgiving dinner tips along with family articles and local news. We hope you enjoy this month’s issue and have a very Happy Thanksigiving!
I leave you with this wonderful quote:
To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right. - Confucius
All the best,
Claudia Perez Rivas Editor-in-Chief & Publisher editor@laredofamilytimemagazine.com
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With soccer practice, piano lessons, friends, homework, tests and more, there are countless activities that compete for time on the family calendar. With thoughtful planning, you can be sure that fun family time gets penciled in, too. Karen Deerwester, family expert and author of "The Entitlement-Free Child:
Raising Confident and Responsible Kids in a 'Me, Mine, Now!' Culture," highlights the importance of scheduling family time. "Unite the family in the art of fun by planning weekly activities together!" Deerwester says. "When you do, you give your family the most precious gift of all - time together to laugh, enjoy one another and stay connected." Family time can serve as an escape from the demands and deadlines of life. It is an opportunity to make memories together based on fun and laughter. Depending on schedules and ages, there are many ways to get your family started. Whether eating takeout or making a home-cooked dinner, bring your family together at mealtime. Sit at the table together and talk about the events of the day, the last vacation you shared or a favorite home video. Making meals an event at home creates an occasion for families to bond over everyday responsibilities. When in the car with your children, don’t be drowned out by the radio or headphones. Keep the dial turned off and initiate conversations about school, friends, recent accomplishments or daily challenges. Your child will feel comfortable talking to you and will look forward to this special travel time together. Board games and puzzles are another way to bring together family members of all ages for moments of fun. The effort to spend merely 30 minutes playing games will be richly rewarded as playing board games together strengthens family relationships, sparks conversations and brings everyone together in silliness and laughter. For the word fans in the family, try Scrabble Flash, a new game that pits players against the clock to build as many three-tofive letter words as possible. Five tiles each display a letter and recognize formed words with WonderLink technology. It’s perfect for a moment of fun and excitement. Another updated classic, Sorry! Spin, unites the family with a new way to play the game of sweet revenge. This edition features a rotating game board which makes getting "Home" more unpredictable and fun than ever before, and engages players on every move, making it anyone's game to win. "Family Game Night builds powerful family connections and creates a family identity based on fun, laughter, shared interests and individual strengths," Deerwester says. "This is the time to tell the kids that you really want to spend time with them to simply have fun!" Make sure building a relationship as a family doesn’t take the backseat this school year and schedule time for your family. Your children will thank you for it. For more family time tips, visit familygamenight.com. Or, keep updated via Twitter @familygamenight and on Facebook.com/familygamenight. Courtesy of Family Features
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Publisher
Rimar Publishing Group
Editor-in-Chief
Claudia Perez Rivas
Marketing & Public Relations
Juan J. Martinez Jr.
Photographer
Guillermo A. Sosa
Calendar Editor
calendar@laredofamilytimemagazine.com
Sales
sales@laredofamilytimemagazine.com
Columnists
Patricia Driscoll Gretchen Otto Pimentel Dr. Cristina Cantu, ND
Submissions & Letters
Laredo Family Time Magazine considers all submissions for publication. Please send us an e-mail with your ideas first. Articles may be edited for length and clarity. Include your contact information. For writer’s guidelines or to submit your ideas e-mail to: editor@laredofamilytimemagazine.com
To Advertise Call 956.286.1526 for advertising rates, information and closing dates. Email us at sales@laredofamilytimemagazine.com
laredofamilytimemagazine.com Find even more community and sports news as well as links and resources online. Copyright Š2010 by Rimar Publishing Group. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Laredo Family Time Magazine is not responsible for advertising claims. The opinions and views expressed in the articles contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of Laredo Family Time Magazine.
Feedback Your feedback is important to us. Email editor@laredofamilytimemagazine.com
Laredo Family Time Magazine is published monthly by Rimar Publishing Group. 4205 Loop 20 Suite 2, Laredo, Texas 78043 www.laredofamilytimemagazine.com
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Family Time
Studies show that when kids eat dinner with their families, they're more likely to have nutritious diets, healthier weights and do better in school. And moms know that sharing a meal together is an important part of building strong families. In fact, according to an online survey of 1000 moms by the National Milk Mustache "got milk?速" campaign, the majority of moms * recognize that dinner is an important time to connect as a family (88%). * value it as an opportunity to teach kids about good nutrition (77%). But there's something missing. While 69% of moms say they get their whole family together around the table five or more times a week, not all of them are making the most of this nutritional opportunity - less than 36% of them are serving milk with dinner. In recent years, soft drinks and sugary fruit drinks have been edging out milk at mealtime. That's why celebrity chef and father of three Tyler Florence is teaming up with the national Milk Mustache "got milk?" campaign to help families make the most of the time they do spend together at dinner. "Families are getting back together for dinner, but we must make the dinners we have together meaningful - both emotionally and nutritionally," said Florence. "I'm a big believer in having milk at dinnertime," he said. "Milk is naturally nutrient-rich. It's got nine essential nutrients important for the whole family, like calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and protein for lean muscle. I'm always confident I'm doing the best by my kids when I set the table with milk." 11
He also believes that having a simple and delicious meal is important. To help inspire mealtime, Florence has shared some delicious family dinner recipes at whymilk.com, and offers these additional tips for building strong families: * Teach - Cooking nutritious meals together is a great way to connect as a family and teach important lessons about nutrition. * Role Model -Setting a healthy example is key - and with milk, it's easy. Parents can lead by example at the dinner table with a tall glass of milk to show their kids how to get the nine essential nutrients they need each day. * Connect - Dinner time is a great opportunity to get beyond quick conversations and take the time for a meaningful conversation with your loved ones. Want some ideas for how to spark dinner dialogue? Visit WhyMilk.com for conversation starters. Florence also is encouraging families to tell how they "Milk the Moment" at dinner for a chance to win a dinner experience for four with the celebrity chef. Visit whymilk.com to enter and for official rules, as well as exclusive recipes and more information on the importance of serving milk at the dinner table. You can help families in need by passing a virtual gallon of milk to friends on Facebook.com/MilkMustache. For every virtual gallon passed, $1 will go to Feeding America, up to $100,000. Feeding America is the country's largest network of food banks that serves more than 37 million people facing hunger in this country. Article by Family Features
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Written by Patricia Driscoll
Children Helping Children: Mundo Montessori’s Trike-A-Thon For St. Jude’s In October, my family learned of a tremendous charitable effort here in Laredo: Mundo Montessori’s children’s Trike-A-Thon in support of St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital. On October 16 th at 10:00 a.m., two Peaceful Meadows Court parking lots were blocked off with bright orange cones and imposing trucks to make way for lots of tiny pedaling feet. That crisp morning, sixty gleeful and helmeted children dodged tire obstacle courses and raced against each other on pretty much anything that had wheels. The formal name for the event may have implied tricycles were the primary vehicles, but there were bicycles, scooters, big wheels, and even a child vigorously doing figure-eights through tires pushing a toy lawn mower. There was food, healthy food, of course: multi-colored grapes, whole grain chips, dainty sandwiches and wholesome juices to energize the children. A seasoned biker provided the children a safety briefing on proper biking and triking procedures. After a demonstration of safe riding practices, he led the way for the grape juice-powered races to begin.
The children receiving a bike safety demonstration
The toddlers are off! There’s that kid with the lawn-mower in the lead!
Raquel Gomez, the Director of Mundo Montessori, says this was the sixth year that the school has sponsored the event in support of St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital. The school relies on volunteers among the parents of the children who attend the school and its staff to execute the event each year. The participants in the fundraiser are generally composed of family and friends of students. (I, in fact, had heard of this wonderful event from a friend of mine whose toddler attends Mundo Montessori.) There is always potential for growth, Raquel says, if there are enough volunteers to make larger events happen. Mundo Montessori has been able to show that committed people can make a difference. The school has done some very impressive giving in these last years on behalf of children afflicted with cancer. Last year, the Trike-A-Thon raised around $1,800. This year’s estimate is nearly $1,500. That is a spectacular achievement when you consider that this is a relatively small operation fueled by a handful of dedicated teachers, parents and children. For the last six years, raising money for St. Jude’s has been the school’s goal and that is not expected to change for future fundraisers. When asked why the school remains dedicated to a single charity, Raquel indicates that it is to help ease the financial burden for parents who are struggling to buy their children the medicine they need. “It is expensive and we want to help them,” she says. “And…..I love children. I really just love children.” It’s a very compassionate answer, and one that was embodied by the many people who were on that parking lot working the admission tables, replenishing snacks, crafting cardboard “medal” necklaces for kids, pushing infants on tricycles with handles and sunshades, and putting band-aids on the knees of a few zealous tri-cyclists. We felt fortunate to have learned about the event, and we didn’t even fully realize the reason for that good feeling until we arrived to register that morning. All charitable events are wonderful opportunities to make a difference but what made this one different, it seemed, was its focus on the participation of children on behalf of children in need.
Raquel, School Director, and her children
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Patricia Driscoll writes from Laredo, where she lives happily with her husband, two children, two cats, a millipede, three hermit crabs and the occasional domesticated scorpion.
The school could have easily sent home donation cards for parents to fill out and pass out to their friends. However, that would not have prompted a personal investment by the children in the cause. The Trike-A-Thon provided a real opportunity for parents and teachers to imbue a sense of why we were all there in the first place: to try to make someone else’s life a little better. Almost immediately upon arrival for registration, it became apparent that the Trike-A-Thon stood to help us, as parents, to impart valuable life lessons about compassion and giving. Our daughter, who is a very aware 3 years old, realized that my husband and I had shockingly loaded her tricycle into the mini-van instead of her brand new Disney princess bike with training wheels. She was affronted. She was dramatic. She just could NOT believe we brought a tricycle instead of a bicycle. What did we think she was, a BABY? She refused to budge. We were ten feet from the registration desk and my moping daughter refused to pedal the atrocious three-wheeled machine. So, we got down on her level, apologized profusely for our unthinkable error, and then explained. “Sweetie, it is important for you to ride your tricycle today. Because today, you are going to help other kids who are sick. The best way you can help is to ride your tricycle, a lot, and really fast. When you ride your tricycle, you’ll be helping other kids get medicine they need to feel better. Can you do that?” She seemed to have been stirred somewhat, then nodded her head in agreement. She started pedaling in a manner that can only be described as half-hearted and pathetic. It did not take long for her to realize that dodging, and sometimes intentionally aiming to crash into, sixty other screaming kids on wheels was truly a rare opportunity that should not be wasted. She spent the rest of our time there squealing and beaming.
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I recognize the possibility that my daughter’s willingness to finally break a smile and enjoy herself may have had something to do with the fact that the Trike-a-Thon was actually a whole lot of fun. However, I reserve the right to believe that her change of heart had something more to do with a profoundly intense internal awakening within her tiny toddler soul to be compassionate, sensitive and giving toward her fellow Man. Delusional? Maybe. But it is a nice thought. I am confident that the concepts of charity and compassion are probably very difficult for young children to truly understand. But, events like the Trike-A-Thon for St. Jude’s, demonstrate to young children that they can be active participants in the helping of others. They can invest of themselves and do whatever it is that they can do. Small kids might not feel all that helpful because they can watch their parents hand over cash for a cause. They feel more helpful when they have done something themselves for a good cause, whether it’s through a picture they drew, a mile they walked, a hug they gave, or a tricycle they pedaled. We are already looking forward to next year’s Mundo Montessori Trike-A-Thon in support of St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital. And when I say “we”, I’m including my formerly heavily distressed daughter. Doesn’t she just look miserable holding that congratulatory medal around her neck? She had not had that much fun on three wheels since she first learned to pedal in the first place. And THAT, as any parent will attest, is a very tough event to be measured against.
Photos by Patricia Driscoll
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Written by Claudia Perez Rivas
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Photos by Guillermo A. Sosa
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On the eve of their grand opening, we met with operator
Michael Hancock and his staff as people camped outside Laredo's newest Chick-fil-A restaurant on the northside of the city, to take advantage of what has become known as their signature, grand opening event. The first 100 adults to line up before opening day will receive a free year's supply of Chick-fil-A. We found people camping on the parking lot both local and from out of town. Families were enjoying the hospitality that Chick-filA is known for. Juan Sierra, known as the 'Godfather of the Parking Lot', told us this was his 50th camp out. He traveled from San Antonio with relatives and friends to take advantage of this unique event. "Chick-fil-A hires and trains between 60 to 70 employees at these events. I feel proud to be part of that." Sierra said. David Hillyer didn't travel as far as Sierra. A Laredo resident, he found out about the event through Facebook. "This is a family atmosphere," he said. "Chick-fil-A has always had a quality product, great values and great morals."
Hillyer has grown up with Chick-fil-A and has fond memories of the franchise's family-friendly structure such as their closing on Sundays to allow their employees to spend time with their families. Chick-fil-A Operator, Hancock, mentioned the family friendly activities that are planned for the new restaurant. "We will be hosting a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year," Hancock said. Family nights, Spirit nights, Story-telling events, and much, much more is planned at the restaurant, all geared to bring Laredo families closer. In the weeks since they’ve been open, Hancock has told us that the reception they have received has been amazing. “Excellent! We've been blown away by the support of the community and local schools. United High School and Alexander High School have been a HUGE support for our new location! Families seem excited and mom's have a new area to let their kids play during the day. “ 15
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Continued… Laredo’s newest Chick-fil-A restaurant is just one of 78 that will be opening up around the country this year. More than 65 jobs have been created in this stand-alone restaurant. Despite the nation’s economic challenges, Chick-fil-A has continued to expand and is actually increasing the number of locations it will be opening this year. The new restaurant features a 4,200 square foot interior that seats 141 with an indoor play area with an interactive section for toddlers. Aware of the rising health concerns among the population and especially for children, Chick-fil-A has eliminated artificial trans fat from its entire menu and was among the first national quick-service restaurant chains to offer a complete menu, from entrees to condiments, with zero grams of trans fat. Chick-fil-A has healthy menu choices for those who are watching what they eat. Hancock told LFTM of the many activities that are planned for the year end. “December 13 to 17 we are doing free breakfast giveaway Monday-Friday. Also on Saturday, December 18, we are doing Free Picture with Santa. We will also be getting ready to showcase our newest breakfast entree coming out in January, which will be the Spicy Chicken Biscuit.” he said. Chick-fil-A are always striving to provide a family atmosphere that is clean and inviting to all. “We work hard to provide great food but most importantly great service. We want our guests to feel valued and appreciated every time they visit our location either by drive thru or be coming inside.” Hancock said. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30am to 10pm, serving a full breakfast menu until 10:30am.
Auto * Home * Life * Business
Looking to bring the family together for some fun? All that's required are favorite games, some snacks, and most importantly, a commitment to dedicate time to family fun each week. "Family play time is so important," says Ellen Harter Wall of Disney FamilyFun magazine. "When you're playing with your kids, everyone is focused on the here and now, not thinking about school or work. A regular game night gives family members something special to look forward to, encourages healthy competition and often results in laughter, making it a perfect way to end the day." Once a game night is established, it's fun to give it a makeover once in awhile. "Mix it up a bit," says Wall. "Our readers often share ways in which they bring creativity to new levels by making game preparation, play time, and even clean up more fun for everyone." One of the easiest ways to breathe life into a game night is to invest in some new games. LEGO recently introduced a variety of board games that offer something different: the ability to build and customize the games themselves. LEGO Games allow players to construct them before playing, use buildable dice and change and adapt the rules as they see fit, making a different game each time. Games range from Minotaurus, a race-through-themaze game, to Creationary, which is like playing charades with LEGO bricks, to Pirate Code, a strategic puzzle game. "Games that offer options for customization are a good fit for families with kids at different ages," adds Wall. "You can change the rules to fit your family."
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A fun way to keep track of those rules is to create a Game Night Notebook. Simply cover a plain notebook with fabric or felt, then decorate it with stickers or pipe cleaners. "The notebook is also a great place to jot down high scores and record favorite bits of conversation and memories." Not into crafting yourself? Choose from literally thousands of lovingly handmade items on Etsy. Whatever your method, the simple tip is to think about ways in which to document and remember your family's play time. Beyond what you're playing, it's a good idea to makeover what you're eating, too. Wall suggests the following easy snacks to make game-time munchies fun and delicious: Sweet Victory Punch: Combine 2 cups of cold water, 2/3 cup of fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons), 1/3 cup of sugar, and four rinsed mint sprigs in a medium-size glass bowl. Let the mixture set for 30 minutes, then strain the liquid into a serving pitcher and add 1 quart of ginger ale. Serve over ice in tall glasses. Makes about eight servings. Wild Game Chips: To make a herd, use animal-shaped cookie cutters to punch out shapes from a large flour tortilla. Arrange the animals on a baking sheet, lightly coat them with cooking spray, and sprinkle them with salt. Bake at 350 F for 5 to 7 minutes, then serve them with salsa or guacamole. Delectable Dominoes: Spread graham crackers with a thin layer of cream cheese or frosting, then arrange dots of chocolate chips in domino patterns.
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More snack ideas for kids can be found at FamilyFun.com and About.com offers additional healthy snack ideas. With the basics covered, up the game night ante with a neighborhood progressive game party where each family is responsible for hosting a game stop at their home. "Choose games with group play options and clear winners," says Wall. "You can prep the snacks or call it potluck, and consider increasing the fun with a game night kit as a prize for the highest scoring family." Whether it's your house or a neighbor's, getting the kids to help pick up at the end of game night doesn't have to be a struggle. Disney FamilyFun shares the following tips from its readers: * Make a house rule that says the winner owns clean up time. * When setting up a board game, place it on a sheet or tablecloth. When you're finished, gather the edges and pour the contents back into the box. * Don't use your salad tongs just for leafy greens - hand them over to your kids to use as a game piece pick-up tool. It may take longer, but they'll have more fun. * Toss out tattered boxes and store playing pieces in clear plastic pouches. However you choose to make your fun, resolve to make it a regular family date. And if your ideas are just too good to keep to yourself, share them on Facebook at LEGO Games or FamilyFun. Courtesy of ARA
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Spanish Bits
Debido al alza de los índices de obesidad, no hay mejor momento que el presente para que las familias adopten hábitos más saludables, como hacer más ejercicios y comer alimentos sanos. Los nutricionistas recomiendan el consumo de más granos enteros, proteínas magras y aumentar la cantidad de vegetales y frutas en la dieta cotidiana. Si bien la selección de los alimentos adecuados es el primer paso, la forma en que estos se preparan es igualmente importante. Cocinar sano consiste en elegir los ingredientes correctos, e implementar técnicas como hornear, asar a la parrilla y a la brasa, y freír revolviendo constantemente. Las madres de todo el país han descubierto una nueva forma de cocinar lo que les gusta, pero de forma sana, con el nuevo George Foreman Evolve Grill. El Evolve Grill, que cuenta con una amplia gama de placas, le da muchas opciones de comidas para el desayuno, almuerzo, la cena, la merienda y todo lo demás, provee una forma de ahorrar tiempo al cocinar alimentos de forma saludable, sin sacrificar el buen sabor. El grill está compuesto por cuatro placas para asar a la parrilla, hornear, e incluso cocinar mini hamburguesas. Además, se puede personalizar con la compra de placas adicionales para hacer "waffles", tortillas, panecillos y mucho más, todo en un conveniente aparato. A las mamás les encanta que el Evolve Grill no sólo las ayuda a cocinar más sano, sino que también es fácil de limpiar, usar y guardar. El diseño del Evolve Grill es lo que hace posible que ayude a cocinar mas sano. El grill tiene una pendiente patentada que contribuye al goteo de la grasa, un revestimiento antiadherente George Touch para que no se peguen los alimentos a la parrilla, y una bandeja en la que se almacena la grasa que va cayendo del asador, manteniéndola lejos de los alimentos que se cocinan. El Evolve Grill logra que los procesos básicos de la cocina sean más saludables, facilitando que las mamás cocinen con mayor frecuencia las comidas favoritas de toda la familia. Demuestre su creatividad a la hora de cocinar, presentando opciones más sanas para su familia. Entusiasme a sus niños a consumir proteínas magras y más vegetales, con comidas favoritas como pollo a la parrilla en formas diferentes pero también nutritivas. Pruebe esta receta de Envueltos de pollo, chile y lechuga al limón, compuesta por pollo a la parrilla, vegetales de hojas verdes y almendras que promueven la salud cardiaca. Los niños se divertirán comiéndolos con las manos, y a las mamás las harán felices el valor nutritivo y el excelente sabor que les brindan a ellas y a sus familias. Para tener acceso a más recetas deliciosas y a más información acerca de otros enseres de la línea George Foreman Healthy Cooking, visite el sitio Web www.georgeforemancooking.com.
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Spanish Bits
Envueltos de pollo, chile y lechuga al limón Tiempo de preparación: 15 minutos Tiempo de cocción: 8 minutos Tiempo de enfriamiento: 15 minutos
Ingredientes: 1 libra de pechugas de pollo sin piel, ligeramente prensadas 3 cucharadas de miel y de zumo de limón 2 a 3 cucharaditas de salsa de ajo con chile (a la venta en la sección de comidas asiáticas de la mayoría de los supermercados) 1 1/2 cucharaditas de aceite de ajonjolí y de salsa de soja 12 a 16 hojas pequeñas de lechuga de cogollo (butter lettuce) o de lechuga romana 3 cucharadas de almendras tostadas y cortadas en pedacitos 2 cucharadas hojas frescas desmenuzadas de cilantro 2 cucharadas de cebollines cortados en pedacitos Elaboración: Precaliente el asador a 425F. Revuelva la miel, el zumo de limón, la salsa de ajo con chile, el aceite de ajonjolí y la salsa de soja en un tazón mediano. Extraiga dos cucharadas y únteselas al pollo con una brocha. Coloque el pollo en la parrilla caliente y cocine por espacio de 8 minutos o hasta que el pollo esté bien cocinado. Sáquelo de la parrilla y déjelo enfriar. Corte en trozos pequeños y sumérjalos en la salsa. Refrigere entre 10 minutos y hasta por 24 horas. Para servir, vierta el pollo sobre las hojas de lechuga, y corone con almendras, cilantro y cebollinos. Da para 4 raciones como plato fuerte, u 8 raciones de aperitivo. Análisis de nutrición por ración: Calorías: 220, Grasa: 7g, Grasa saturada: 1g, Acidos transgrasos: 0g, Colesterol: 65mg, Sodio: 300mg, Potasio: 287mg, Carbohidratos: 15g, Fibra: 1g, Azúcar: 13g, Proteínas: 24g, Vitamina A: 15 por ciento, Vitamina C: 10 por ciento, Calcio: 4 por ciento, Hierro: 8 por ciento.
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As your kids settle into the school year, you may find that dealing
with your child's education can sometimes be a bit unsettling. Whether it's a new year with a new teacher whose communication style leaves you wanting more or dealing with major issues from grades to behavior, having a solid working relationship with your child's school can be as critical as their daily attendance. We live in a real-time society where instant access to grades via the Internet and to your children via cell phones is the norm. Parents are continually looking to bridge the gap between school and home. "The reality is that teachers have so many students and so many constraints on their time that they simply cannot give an adequate amount of attention to communicating home to the child's parents," says Dr. Mike Papadimitriou, headmaster for the Academy of Science in Conroe, Texas. The key to success for parents, he says, centers along creating the appropriate and acceptable lines of communication with the school and with their child. "The best way to keep abreast of what's going on at school is to get involved," says Dr. Marv Abrams, an adjunct educational professor for Argosy University, Orange County and an educational professional with 20 years teaching and 14 years administrator experience. "Whether your child is young enough for you to volunteer in the classroom or whether you join the good old PTA, you're gaining access to knowledge about how the classroom and the school work and gaining access to school administrators that can be very useful for staying in tune with your child's education." Another critical component to keeping your child out of trouble and focused on studies is to know your child's friends. "Parents should always be monitoring their child's friends," says Abrams. "Know who your children are hanging out with, texting, and talking to on social networking sites and what they are doing with them. Kids are attracted to people just like them so if you find they hang out with a 'bad crowd' the reality is that they are the 'bad crowd' and you may need to intervene." Kids who stay active are kids who stay out of trouble, both Abrams and Papadimitriou agree. Whether it's a school club, the band or athletics, the more time kids spend in the presence of an adult engaged in something positive, the better off they'll be. When your child faces trouble, socially or academically, staying neutral is the key. "Parents can lose objectivity when it comes to their children. They send their children to us as their most prized possessions and can forget that their children, like us as administrators, sometimes make mistakes. Nobody is perfect - the goal should be to focus on the problem at hand and correcting the situation, not on identifying blame with either the child or the school," says Papadimitriou. While many parents consider themselves as much a friend to their child as a parent, setting clear boundaries for yourself is as important as getting involved. "Allow your child to work through the issue on their own," says Abrams. When they come to you with an issue, ask what they are doing about the problem and how they can resolve it. Offer advice that can help them work it out for themselves. Papadimitriou agrees and adds, "If that doesn't work, then you communicate with the teacher," he says. If the issue is academic, Abrams recommends getting to know the learning environment better. "Ask the teacher how he or she is teaching the content standards and when they are teaching which subjects. Ask for additional work and/or resources to help support your child's learning. Stay focused on your child and not on telling the teacher how to run the class or how to work with other kids." "Never criticize the teacher or school in front of your child," says Abrams. "It forces your child to choose between the authority of the school and your authority as a parent and only sets them up for further conflicts in the future. If you need to discuss an issue, you talk to the teacher without your child knowing. That gives you the opportunity to partner with the teacher to find a solution and sets your child up for success in the future. It also sets you up to be able to reinforce the work the teacher is doing." "While a child is never expected to adjust to an abusive situation," says Papadimitriou, "sometimes children just have to learn to adjust to different ways of doing things and to different personalities. The less critical and the more cooperative you are as a parent, the more positive impact you can have on your child's education." Courtesy of ARA 21
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1. How many members in your family? Four: Alejandro (11 years), Andrea (10) and Alaina (7 years) 2. How would you describe your family? I would describe my family as unconventional. 3. What makes you a great parent? Far from it...I would consider myself a realistic parent...always learning and always striving to do my best so my kids may grow up to be responsible and well-balanced adults. 4. What do you enjoy best about being a parent? It would have to be the joy and amazement I get from watching my kids learn, develop and grow. When they discover something for themselves or when they understand something...its just amazing to be a part of their development. 5. What do you love best about your children? I love that they all have their own distinct personalities. They are caring and open-minded kids, very smart and very fun.
November
6. What do you find irritating in other parents? I really dislike when I hear parents complain about having to take care of their kids, like if they were some kind of burden. It irritates
Parent Basics:
me to no end to see a non-participating parent to a child that wants
Name: Claudia Perez Rivas
nothing more than to share activities with them.
Occupation: Online Reporter/ \Sub-editor Upstream—The International Oil & Gas Newspaper
7. What is the biggest parenting mistake you've ever made? It would have to be losing my temper in those early parenting years...just letting stress overwhelm me instead of taking things in stride.
Parenting Glimpse: 8. What is your wish for your children? My wish for them is to grow up with open minds, independent spirits and humble hearts. 9. How would you like your children to remember you? I would like my kids to remember that every choice I ever made as far as they are concerned was for their well-being...that I love them...and that I am always here for them, no matter what. 10.
What is your advice to other parents? Always listen to your heart. If you seek too much advice, you may not always be certain of what you are doing. Always remember that your kids will grow up and have lives of their own...let them...And always know that your actions will resonate with them much more clearer than your words.
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What government agency is open on Thanksgiving Day? The United States Department of Agriculture, on the job to protect public health through food safety. For 25 years, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline has helped Turkey Day cooks weather a variety of culinary storms and travails. In recent years, the Hotline has developed the innovative "Ask Karen" feature (www.AskKaren.gov) on the Web that allows consumers to type questions online and receive an immediate reply from USDA’s virtual representative 24 hours a day. And from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time, users can "chat" with a food safety expert. These efforts are just part of a long-running campaign by USDA’s food safety educators to teach Americans about the dangers of food-borne illness and the importance of adopting safe cooking and food handling behaviors. The statistics show that approximately 5,000 Americans will die each year due to a foodborne illness - that’s almost 14 people a day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thanksgiving dinner is an ideal time to put food safety tips into practice because it is the most challenging for average American consumers to cook. Food safety considerations are often overlooked, especially since there may be several cooks preparing food for the celebration. "Food that is mishandled can cause very serious consequences for all, especially for "at-risk" groups infants, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems," said Diane Van, USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline Manager. "Thanksgiving dinner can be a challenging meal to prepare because it is so time-consuming and complex," said Van. "When you factor in thawing the turkey, cooking the turkey, preparing side dishes and desserts - and making sure guests are accounted for it is easy to forget that food safety is the most important ingredient to making the meal an enjoyable one." Five Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving Meal 1. Keep Everything Clean - Keep hands and surfaces clean. Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Run cutting boards and utensils through the dishwasher or wash them in hot soapy water after each use. Keep countertops clean by washing with hot soapy water after preparing food. 2. Don’t Cross Contaminate -When you prepare Thanksgiving dinner, keep the raw turkey away from vegetables and side dishes. Consider using one cutting board for fresh produce and bread and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood. Wash the cutting board with hot, soapy water after each use; then rinse with clear water and air dry or pat dry with clean paper towels. 3. Cook the Turkey and Stuffing to a Safe Temperature - Regardless of the method of cooking, you can’t tell if the bird is done by the color of the cooked poultry. The only way to know for sure if the turkey is safely cooked is to use a food thermometer. Every part of the turkey and the center of the stuffing should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook poultry to higher temperatures. 4. Store Leftovers Safely - Discard any turkey, stuffing, side dishes and gravy left out at room temperature longer than 2 hours. Divide leftovers into smaller portions, and refrigerate them in covered, shallow containers for quicker cooling. Be sure to consume refrigerated turkey, stuffing, side dishes and gravy within 3 to 4 days or freeze the leftovers for later use. 5. Keep Egg-Rich Desserts Chilled - Pumpkin pie is as much a staple of the holiday meal as the turkey. Foods made with eggs and milk, such as pumpkin pie, must first be safely baked to a minimum internal temperature of 160 °F. Then, they must be refrigerated after baking. Eggs and milk have high protein and moisture content; when foods baked with these products are left at room temperature, conditions are ripe for bacteria to multiply. Where to Get Information -USDA features www.AskKaren.gov, a Web site where you can type and receive answers to your food safety questions 24 hours a day. -Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern Time, year-round and on Thanksgiving from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. -Listen to "Food Safety at Home" Podcasts any time at www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Food_Safety_at_Home_Podcasts/index.asp. -"Let's Talk Turkey" pamphlet is available at www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Lets_Talk_Turkey.pdf. 23
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Thawing Your Turkey It is unsafe to thaw a frozen turkey at room temperature. Two safe ways to thaw your turkey are in the refrigerator or in cold water. See the chart below for estimated thawing times. Whether you have a frozen or a fresh turkey, cook it within 1 or 2 days of purchase or after thawing.
In the Refrigerator (40 째F or below) Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. 4 to 12 pounds 1 to 3 days 12 to 16 pounds 3 to 4 days 16 to 20 pounds 4 to 5 days 20 to 24 pounds 5 to 6 days Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.
In Cold Water Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound. 4 to 12 pounds 2 to 6 hours 12 to 16 pounds 6 to 8 hours 16 to 20 pounds 8 to 10 hours 20 to 24 pounds 10 to 12 hours Wrap your turkey securely, making sure the water is not able to leak through the wrapping. Submerge your wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed. Do not refreeze.
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Cook It Your Way! No matter which method you use to cook your turkey, use a food thermometer to insure that your turkey and stuffing are cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook turkey to higher temperatures. These times are approximate and should always be used in conjunction with a properly placed thermometer. Approximate Whole Turkey Cooking Times Times for fresh or thawed turkey in a preheated 325 °F oven Weight Unstuffed Timing Timing
Stuffed
8 to 12 pounds 2 3/4 to 3 hours
3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 pounds 3 to 3 3/4 hours 3 1/2 to 4 hours 14 to 18 pounds 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours
4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours
4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
20 to 24 pounds
4 1/2 to 5 hours 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours
Electric Roaster Oven Generally, the cooking time and oven temperature setting are the same as for conventional cooking. Preheat the oven to at least 325 °F. Place the turkey on the roaster oven rack or other meat rack so the turkey is raised out of the juices that collect in the bottom of the oven liner. Leave the lid on throughout cooking, removing it as little as possible to avoid slowing the cooking process. Always check the roaster oven's use and care manual for the manufacturer's recommended temperature setting and time.
Grilling a Turkey Outdoor cooking of a big bird for the holiday meal is becoming a popular cooking method. During grilling, a turkey cooks by indirect heat in an outdoor covered gas or charcoal grill, and a pan of water is placed beneath the grilling surface to catch the fat and juices that drip from the turkey as it cooks. Cooking is done by the hot, smoky, steamy air. Turkeys that are 16 pounds or less are the recommended size for safe grilling. A larger turkey remains in the "Danger Zone" - between 40 and 140 °F - too long. Do not stuff the turkey. Because cooking is at a low temperature, it can take too long for the temperature of the stuffing to reach 165 °F. Also, smoked stuffing has an undesirable flavor.
More Ways to Cook a Turkey Deep fat frying, smoking, using an oven cooking bag, roasting in aluminum foil, microwaving, using a pressure cooker, and cooking a frozen turkey without thawing it first are other ways to get the big bird done. For information about these methods, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline or read the publication "Turkey: Alternate Routes to the Table" at www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Turkey_Alt_Routes/index.asp.
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The holidays offer unforgettable experiences of getting together
with family, exchanging gifts, sharing meals and laughter. These warm memories will stay with you for the rest of the year. But too often, the expenses you incur celebrating the season can be an unpleasant reminder for months after the festivities end. Just because the holidays are a special time doesn't mean you need to spend exceptional amounts of money or rack up credit card debt to enjoy the season. By doing things a little differently this year, you can save some cash without turning into a scrooge. As a mother of two, savings expert Kim Danger is well aware of the expenses that come along with holiday celebrations. The author of "Instant Bargains" recently compiled her best holiday tips in a free e-book, "Year Long Holiday Guide," available at www.UniroyalTires.com. Here are a few of her cost-saving tips for the upcoming holidays: Fun projects to celebrate and give thanks * Summon your inner decorator. Make your own napkin rings using brown, orange and purple construction paper and a hot glue gun to construct harvest-themed napkin holders. Also, pick out some small pumpkins that you can use as placeholders with attached nametags for your guests. * Don't waste money on expensive bakery cupcakes. Make your own festive turkey cupcakes using a chocolate cake mix to make the turkey's body. Frost the cupcakes and dust with chocolate sprinkles. Then add peanut butter cookies to the top for the turkey's head. * Make an heirloom for your Thanksgiving table. Using a solid color tablecloth, have each dinner guest write something they are thankful for with a permanent marker. Bring the tablecloth out each year to add to it and remember the good things in your life. Holiday spirit-filled activities * The month of December means a time to celebrate for many cultures and faiths. Families across the globe celebrate holidays differently from country to country. Visit www.Teacher.Scholastic.com to learn about different holiday traditions around the world. * Since decorations are so much a part of every holiday season, think of fun and inexpensive ways to make your home more festive. Use graham crackers to create a gingerbread house or make a Kwanzaa candle holder with baby food jars. Or glue flat wooden sticks together and sprinkle with glitter to create a sparkly Star of David. * For a fun and easy take on hot chocolate, add chocolate candies, marshmallows and a candy cane. You can also package all the ingredients as a thoughtful, but inexpensive, gift. "No matter how you choose to spend the holidays, remember to focus on the time spent with loved ones, even with all the other distractions," says Danger. "The good times with them will be what you want to remember the most, not the cost." For the latest information about Uniroyal Tires, visit www.UniroyalTires.com and find Uniroyal on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UniroyalTire. Courtesy of ARA
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