s ’ y a d o T Vol.2 No.3
Retirement Ready or Not: Preparing for the New Golden Years Preview to BoomeR Fest 3.0!
Boomer Travel
Let the Sun Shine In
Boomer Healthy Eating Summer Chillin’ & Grillin’
Today’s BoomeR
Featuring The Only B2B -Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!
Up Coming CruisesBook Now! The Hawaii Islands Tropical Exploration 2013 “Credit Union Leadership & Growth Strategies Symposium” July 20-27, 2013 Paris to Prague River Cruise “Credit Union Leadership Exploration Symposium” August 16-27, 2013 Grand Mediterranean Odyssey 2013 “Credit Union Leadership Challenges Symposium” September 15-27, 2013
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This Issue May / June 2013 Volume 2, Number 3
Boomer Travel
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Let the Sun Shine In
Social Security
Founder John Vardallas & Alexandra Maragha
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Editor-In-Chief Alexandra Maragha Contributing Writers :
Honoring All Who Serve
Work-Tirement
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Karyl Richson: Social Security Chef Eben Atwater: Healthy Eating
Planning for the New Golden Years
Advertising: Team
Retirement Seen Through Your Eyes
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For Letters to the Editor, articles and feedback as well as advertising inquiries email Alexandra@TheAmericanBoomeR.com
Medicare Basics for Boomers
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The American BoomeR.com
Boomer Healthy Eating 13 Summer Chillin’ & Grillin’
B2B Marketplace
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Business 2 Boomers Marketplace
BoomeR Fest 3.0
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John Vardallas CAE, CUDE CEO/Founder Professional Speaker Business/Lifestyle Strategist Boomer Sage and Blogger JohnVardallas@TheAmericanBoomeR.com (608) 577-8707 Alexandra Maragha Co-Founder, Editor-In-Chief Today’s BoomeR Alexandra@TheAmericanBoomeR.com Today’s BoomeR Vol.2 No.3 Today’s BoomeR is published six times (Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/ June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec) a year by The American BoomeR.com 769 North Star Drive (Suite 207) Madison, WI 53718 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
The American Boomer @American_Boomer Today’s BoomeR 3
EDITOR’S LETTER
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On to the Encore...
(feature)
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Retirement. The next chapter and renewal of life that Baby Boomers will all come to embrace within the next 10 years. Boomers will redefine retirement by staying engaged and keeping their creativity and curiosity going as they age. The “Golden Years” will be defined by aspects of Work-tirement, where boomers will stay involved in careers and pursue their own business ambitions, while others will define it with leisure activities and pure fun. In this issue, Work-tirement speak to those who will stay working into their golden years, while Retirement Through Your Eyes and Medicare information for boomers will prepare those who are looking to fully relax and enjoy themselves; all who will redefine retirement. Boomer travel and Boomer healthy eating are things that all boomers can enjoy with others this summer and cut loose to do some chillin’ and grillin’. As boomers take p. a4 bow and enter into retirement and their New Golden Years, we like to look at it as moving on to the encore of the show! Bravo!
p. 12 Alexandra Maragha Editor-In-Chief Send Letters and Feedback to: Alexandra@theamericanboomer.com
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BOOMER TRAVEL
Summer Fun & Indoor Sun Splash into these top waterparks for your next getaway! Travelchannel.com
At last summer is here. With the changing weather, the kids and grandkids home from school and vacations to be had, why not plan your next vacation splashing in the fun that these top waterpark picks have to offer for the whole multi-generational family. Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort - New Braunfels, Texas Located on the banks of the Comal River, Schlitterbahn is consistently recognized as the best waterpark in the country, as well as the most fun spot for families in Texas. There are 2 parks spread out over 65 acres with attractions for all ages, from lazy rivers to wave pools and even wild uphill water coasters. To keep prices reasonable, this family-owned park offers free parking and inner tubes, and invites guests to bring along a picnic lunch to save money on food. Noah's Ark- Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin The Wisconsin Dells is known for its legendary waterparks and Noah's Ark is the largest of the bunch. The youngest family members can get their feet wet at Tadpole Bay or ease into Today’s BoomeR 5
waterslides while mom and dad ride along on the gen- activities, they also allow for dry options such as artle bunny hills of Slidewinders. Everyone can get wet cades, mini golf, and even quite areas for parents and with the kooky sea sponge from the bottom of the sea adults who want to relax and read. at the SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D movie. Great Wolf Lodge - Multiple Locations Zoombezi Bay - Powell, Ohio With 11 locations around the country, the Great Wolf Zoombezi Bay waterpark is owned and operated by Lodge is an ideal family getaway whether you live on the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The park has 15 the West Coast, the East Coast, or somewhere in beslides, a wild wave pool with 4-foot swells and the re- tween. Accommodations are provided by the Lodge, laxing lazy river at Croctail Creek. The whole family making it easier than ever to travel with your family. can get soaked on the loops and curves of the Tahitian When the kids are ready to hit the pools, the first Twister. After spending the day getting wet, plan to place they'll probably want to go is Fort Mackenzie. spend some time with resident wildlife next door at This 4-story tree house is fully stocked with suspenthe Columbus Zoo. sion bridges, swinging cargo nets and a 1,000 gallon Blizzard Beach - Orlando, Florida bucket hanging from the (indoor) treetops waiting to Blizzard Beach has all of the magic that visitors expect drench your little ones. When you're all set to join the from Disney. The waterslides are fast and wild and the kids in the water, hop on the Howling Wolf in a 3kids' play area at Tike's Peak welcome little ones with person toboggan to make your way down the winding a snow-castle fountain and kid-sized slides. But the 336-foot waterslide. real draw is the impeccable attention to detail that brings the tale of this snow-capped Floridian ski village In addition to the waterpark, you'll find a spa for kids, bowling, miniature golf and Magiquest -- an interacto life. tive adventure that kids and adults alike can explore Six Flags White Water - Atlanta, Georgia with magic wand in hand. While the kids are occupied, Wiggles fans can climb aboard the S.S. Feathersword check out the Manitoba Tubs which include an adultwith water cannons, telescopes, climbing nets and only jumbo whirlpool. slippery slides at the White Water. This is just one of the preschool-friendly attractions at the Wiggles Wa- Sahara Sam’s - West Berlin, New Jersey ter World alongside slides and water play areas dedi- At New Jersey’s largest indoor waterpark, Sahara Sam's guests will find 58,000 square feet of water cated to Henry the Octopus, Dorothy the Dinosaur and the rest of the Wiggles gang. Older kids can explore the rest of the park and take a wild ride on the Run-A-Way River or make a getaway on the Mutiny Chute. Indoor options are also a great way to enjoy the water with extra accommodations that can please everyone in the family. Not only do the indoor parks offer a variety of water slides, pools and water 6 Today’s BoomeR
attractions including the region’s only indoor surfing simulator called the Flowrider. Among the many attractions are a lazy river, an obstacle course and a kiddie slide for toddlers. If it’s warm enough to take your vacation outside, then check out the Samazon Ropes Adventure, the world’s tallest ropes course. Avalanche Bay; Boyne Falls, Michigan Encompassing 80,000 square feet of wet and wacky fun, the Bavarian-themed Avalanche Bay, outside Traverse City, MI, represents the biggest indoor waterpark in Michigan. The park opened its doors to record crowds on Memorial Day 2006, and has been a hot spot for vacationing families ever since. Some of the rides beneath the facility's expansive Fiberglas roof include the Splasherhorn water roller coaster, Rip Zone surfing simulator, Vertigo Cannonball tube slide and a 900-foot lazy river. The place also features hot tubs, video arcades, a climbing wall and protected toddler areas in an environment that stays at a balmy 84 degrees all day long. Nearby, the Swiss-style Mountain Grand Lodge is a great place for families to relax. The hotel boasts 220 suites -- perfect environments for youngsters to kick back and watch cartoons after a morning of splashing around. Mom and Dad can relax here, too, as the property's Solace Spa (it happens to be Michigan's largest) offers an entire menu of stress-eliminating treatments and massage. Because of Avalanche Bay's proximity to the Boyne Mountain Ski Resort, many families visit as part of a larger ski vacation. Guests here can choose from nine different restaurants, including Everett's, an upscale bistro that offers an all-you-can-eat Alaskan king crab feast every Friday night. World Waterpark; Edmonton, Alberta As if there weren't enough distractions at the cavernous West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta, the facility's 5-acre World Waterpark is one of the largest waterparks in the world. In all, the Canadian park boasts more than 20 water activities -- ample opportunities to soak even the driest mall rats. The park was built in 1985, but recently added the Raging Rapids ride, an enclosed slide that sends daring tube riders through strobe-lit darkness, and the Tropical Typhoon, a dizzying funnel-slide that spins thrillseekers in circles before dropping them into a splash pool. Other new rides include bungee jumping, hot tubs and a Caribbean-themed interactive area for parents and toddlers to enjoy together. Elsewhere in the mall, there's certainly no shortage of ways to spend the day. The mega center includes more than 800 shops, some of which are included in Europa Boulevard, designed to mimic a Parisian street. Additional kid-friendly attractions are Galaxyland, an amusement park; Sea Life Caverns, an aquarium; and Deep Sea Derby, a bumper-boat adventure on an indoor lake. The mall also incorporates two hotels: the zany Fantasyland Hotel, which has assigned themes such as African Safari and ancient Rome to 118 of its 354 rooms; and the smaller and more intimate West Edmonton Mall Inn, where the only theme among 88 rooms is luxury. Today’s BoomeR 7
Social Security: Honoring All Who Serve By Karyl Richson , Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Every day of the year, Americans across the nation remember friends and family members who have served and sacrificed for their country. Memorial Day is a day when we all come together to honor those who have given their lives in the defense of freedom and the principles we hold dear in this country. May is also National Military Appreciation Month. As we observe Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month, we would like to let members of our military know how much we value what they do for our nation. At Social Security, we offer a wide range of services for our service members. Families of fallen military heroes may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. Learn more about Social Security survivors benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/ survivors.htm. For service members who return home with injuries, Social Security is here to help. Visit our Wounded Warriors website. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. We use an expedited process for military service members who become disabled while on active military service, regardless of where the disability occurs. The Wounded Warriors website answers a number of commonly asked questions, and shares other useful information about disability benefits, including how veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims. It is important to note that benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. Even active duty military who continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave should consider applying for disability benefits if they are unable to work due to a disabling condition. Active duty status and receipt of military pay
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does not necessarily prevent payment of Social Security disability benefits. Receipt of military payments should never stop someone from applying for disability benefits from Social Security. If you’ve served in the Armed Forces and you’re planning your retirement, you’ll want to read our publication, Military Service and Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10017.html. You also may want to visit the Military Service page of our Retirement Planner, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/ retire2/veterans.htm. At Social Security, we honor all those who served in the military and we remember those who died for their country.
Social Security’s “Tripple Crown” of Social Media Social Security has a horse in the race, so to speak. We offer our own “Triple Crown” of social media at www.socialsecurity.gov. Facebook is a great place to stay in the know when it comes to useful information about Social Security. “Like” Social Security at www.facebook.com/socialsecurity. Twitter is another place to get regular updates in short bursts. We promise to be brief as we keep you up to date in 140characters or less. Select “Follow” at www.twitter.com/ socialsecurity. Prefer watching videos? We’ve got those too. The third part to our social media “Triple Crown” is our YouTube page, where you can find everything from informative webinars to short messages from Social Security. You can view fun public service announcements starring George Takei, Don Francisco, Chubby Checker, and the reunited cast of The Patty Duke Show. You can even watch Patty Duke apply online for retirement benefits in her pajamas! Join the fun and get some useful information at www.youtube.com/socialsecurityonline.
Boomers Must Plan for the New Golden Years:
“Work “Work--Tirement”
John A. Vardallas CAE, CUDE Founder/CEO, TheAmericanBoomeR.com
Since the proposed changes to Social Security have become a national debate, many Americans are starting to think seriously about revising their retirement plans. People are now healthier and expected to live longer and with the recent unprecedented downturn in the economy and stock market losses many of us Boomers will have to delay full time retirement and extend their work life. It is no longer unusual to spend as much time in retirement as in working full-time. Many retirees are depending on relatives, government assistance and part-time work to survive. The 70year-old at the grocery check-out is likely to be partnered with another retiree bagging groceries. Special Challenge for Boomers Baby Boomers will make up the largest population of retired workers in history with the longest life expectancy. Boomers will be the most diverse group of retirees. They may be funding their children’s education, supporting adult children, and caring for elderly parents. It is for these reasons Boomers will be engaging in “Work-Tirement” to keep up with their financial needs. While some Boomers have done an adequate job of saving for retirement, many wait until it is too late. People have a difficult time estimating their retirement expenses because they fail to keep track of their own spending habits. Estimate Your Spending Habits-Give Yourself A Financial Check Up It’s a fallacy to assume that your spending habits will dramatically decline during retirement. Many retirees travel and pursue other activities that keep themselves occupied. The first step in retirement planning is to get an estimate of your expenses—your annual cost of living. There are several ways to do this. ●Keep a journal of everything you spend for a few months. ●Compile your years expenses via cancelled checks, bills, and cash withdrawals. ●Determine your take-home pay over a period of time. Calculate what you’ve saved—what’s left will give you an idea of what you are spending. * Decide what kind of income you will need to fund your retirement lifestyle. Retirement Income After you’ve estimated your expenses, you’ll need to determine if your retirement income will cover your living expenses. Only one-third of Boomers save enough of what they need to retire at their income level, according to USA Today. The traditional “three-legged stool” of retirement income consists of personal savings, Social Security and pensions has now been expanded to “five” to include maintaining good health and job skills/competencies. All of these dynamics will redefine retirement and may call for us Boomers to stay engaged in work beyond our golden years and have a retirement game plan. When it comes to funding your golden years, “HOPE” is not a successful strategy. This topic and other retirement planning issues will be the focus of BoomeR Fest 3.0, a Financial Fitness Program for boomers to be held on May 18th in Madison, WI. For more information go 2 www.theamericanboomer.com Today’s BoomeR 9
Retirement Seen Through Your Eyes After you leave work, what will your life look like? Provided by Nick Abts How do you picture your future? If you are like many baby boomers, your view of retirement is likely pragmatic compared to that of your parents. That doesn't mean you have to have a "plain vanilla" tomorrow. Even if your retirement savings are not as great as you would prefer, you still have great potential to design the life you want. With that in mind, here are some things to think about. What do you absolutely need to accomplish? If you could only get four or five things done in retirement, what would they be? Answering this question might lead you to compile a "short list" of life goals, and while they may have nothing to do with money, the financial decisions you make may be integral to achieving them. (This may be the most exciting aspect of retirement planning.) What would revitalize you? Some people retire with no particular goals at all, and others retire burnt out. After weeks or months of respite, ambition inevitably returns. They start to think about what pursuits or adventures they could embark on to make these years special. Others have known for decades what dreams they will follow ... and yet, when the time to follow them arrives, those dreams may unfold differently than anticipated and may even be supplanted by new ones. In retirement, time is really your most valuable asset. With more free time and opportunity for reflection, you might find your old dreams giving way to new ones. You may find yourself called to volunteer as never before, or motivated to work again but in a new context. Who should you share your time with? Here is another profound choice you get to make in retirement. The quick answer to this question for many retirees would be "family". Today, we have nuclear families, blended families, extended families; some people think of their friends or their employees as family. You may define 10 Today’s BoomeR
it as you wish and allocate more or less of your time Consider a baby boomer couple with, for example, to your family as you wish (some people do want less $285,000 in retirement savings. If that couple follows family time when they retire). the 4% rule, the old maxim that you should withdraw Regardless of how you define "family" or whether or about 4% of your retirement savings per year, subsequently adjusted for inflation - then you are talking not you want more "family time" in retirement, you about $11,400 withdrawn to start. When you comprobably don't want to spend your time around bine that $11,400 with Social Security and assorted "dream stealers". They do exist. If you have a grand investment income, dream in mind for retirement, you may meet people that couple isn't who try to thwart it and urge you not to pursue it. exactly rich. Sus(Hopefully, they are not in close proximity to you.) taining and enhancReducing their psychological impact on your retireing income bement may increase your happiness. comes the priority, How much will you spend? We can't control all retireand legacy planning ment expenses, but we can control some of them. may have to take a The thought of downsizing may have crossed your backseat. In Merrill mind. While only about 10% of people older than 60 Lynch's 2012 Afflusell homes and move following retirement, it can poent Insights Survey, tentially bring you a substantial lump sum or lead to just 26% of housesmaller mortgage payments. You could also lose one holds polled (all or more cars (and the insurance that goes with them) with investable assets of $250,000 or more) felt asand live in a neighborhood with extensive, efficient sured that they could leave their children an inherpublic transit. Ditching land lines and premium cable itance; not too surprising given what the economy TV (or maybe all cable TV) can bring more savings. and the stock market have been through these past Garage sales and donations can have financial bene- several years.2 fits as well as helping you get rid of clutter, with eiHow are you planning for retirement? This is the most ther cash or a federal tax deduction that may be as important question of all. If you feel you need to pregreat as 30-50% of your adjusted gross income provided you carefully itemize and donate the goods to a pare more for the future or reexamine your existing plan in light of changes in your life, then confer with a 501(c)(3) non-profit.1 financial professional experienced in retirement planCould you leave a legacy? Many of us would like to ning. give our kids or grandkids a good start in life, or help charities or schools - but given the economic realities Nicholas Abts may be reached at 608-438-8483 or nick.abts@tfaconnect.com. of retiring today, there is no shame in putting your priorities first. www.tfaconnect.com This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations. 1 - www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/ways-to-downsize-during-retirement.aspx [2/28/13] 2 - wealthmanagement.ml.com/Publish/Content/application/pdf/GWMOL/Report_ML-Affluent-Insights-Survey_0912.pdf [9/12]
Today’s BoomeR 11
Medicare Basics for Boomers By Jack Zimmermann, Agent/Physicians Mutual
Jack1946@frontier.com Part A: This covers 80% of hospitalization and it is free if you, or your spouse, have worked, and paid Medicare taxes, for at least 10 years. Part B: This covers 80% of doctors, specialists, chiropractors, etc. If you are taking Social Security already you will automatically receive a Medicare card with Part A and B on it a couple of months prior to turning 65. If you are not taking SSI, but do want to enroll in Medicare, you have to contact Social Security and tell them you want to enroll in Part B. This will cost you approx $100/month. You can do this at any time after age 65. They will bill you quarterly. Once you start taking SSI the Part B premium will automatically be deducted from your Social Security check.
occur several times in one year. Supplements are intended to cover what Medicare does not. There are MANY different Medicare Supplements. There are also several varieties of Supplements: Comprehensive Plans – No Co pays or Deductibles – Highest price Deductible Plans – Lowest priced. The deductible is regulated by the government. Some plans have a deductible that hovers around $2,000/year. Coverage is 100% after the deductible. Innovative Plans – Have a deductible for 3+ years (depends on when plan is taken out), which converts to the Comprehensive plan, with no increase in price. This is an excellent option, although a bit of a gamble, for healthy people.
Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans – I never suggest anyone taking one of these. They combine Part A and B benefits and also include drug coverage (Part D). They are riddled with copays and deductibles, and have very narrow provider networks. People that sign up for these plans basically may be giving up their Medicare benefits – NOT a good thing! The plans are inexpensive and a great example of paying for what you get.
Co Pay Plans – A nice mix that works well for people that seldom go to the doctor, aside from Preventive Care.
Part D: Prescription Drug Plan – You must have credible drug coverage after you enroll in Medicare. If you do not, you will face a penalty later in life – Can be quite large. There are 29 drug plans in the state of Wisconsin – They are very different and can change dramatically. That is why I help each of my clients with the plan each year. If a client of mine is on no medications, or only those of a generic variety, I put them on Senior Care at $30/year. Most clients make more money than the plan maintains for coverage with no deductible – That’s OK! I tell my clients to put the card away and buy the generic medications outright. Should my client’s drug list change during the year the plan allows you to leave it at any time and enroll in a standard drug plan. The intent is to save my client money. This can get confusing, but I am well versed in how to use it.
What to look for in a Supplement:
Ability to us ANY doctor or hospital in the US
Rate increase history – Be careful of companies with low introductory prices. They rise dramatically, especially at age 70
An agent that is always available when needed (I am)
An agent that will help with your Part D plan each year
Financial rating of the company – Make sure that the company you choose has an A or A+ with A.M. Best, and all other rating systems. This is very important because a poor financial condition will result in higher rate increases.
Limitations on Preventive Care – Most companies have some – 2 companies have NONE – These plans pay for ALL preventive care NOT covered by Medicare. (Eye exams, shingles shots, etc.) Ask your agent about this very important part of the plan.
When are you “Guaranteed Issue”?
Finally, the area of Medicare Supplements, which I recom mend to all I know and serve. Medicare is good insurance, but it is an 80/20 system with no cap. There is also a deduct- ible for Part A and for Part B. The deductible for Part A can 12 Today’s BoomeR
At age 65 Leaving a group plan (no matter what age) Termination of a Medicare Advantage plan
BOOMER HEALTHY EATING: Chillin’ and Grillin’ The planting beds have been weeded, seeds sown, lawn mowed, and the grills pulled out for another season of action. Whether your grill has been under a tarp, in the garage, frozen or in some other state of suspended animation, it's time for grillin' and chillin'! We use both charcoal and gas grills. Start with a good cleaning, removing all the old sludge and half cooked gunk thoroughly cooking on a dirty grill is for amateurs, gang. For charcoal grills, make sure all the parts are intact and solid, nothing rusted away or loose. For gas grills, check the hose, regulator, burners, deflectors and grilling surfaces, again checking that everything is there and working right. Oil your grilling surfaces if necessary. Use a paper towel or cloth soaked in cooking oil and oil the grill before you light it. Similarly, once you have a fire lit in either style of grill, you can manipulate coals or burner controls so that you have hot and medium and cooler areas on one grill, this way, you can have several things working, taking advantage of the differentiated heat. You'll also want to use your lid and your vents. Your lid allows you to trap heat other than the direct flame, speeding and evening out your cooking. Vents will do the same; by controlling how much air flows through the grill, you can raise or lower temperature and control smoke, if you decide to use that. A thermometer is always a good thing. Knowing, with reasonable certainty, the working temp of your cooking space, and/or the internal temp of what you're cooking, takes the guesswork away and helps immeasurably in quality.
Recipes and Photos from Chef Eben Atwater www.urbanmonique.com Finally, let us say that much grilling may be somewhat impaired by chillin', A.K.A. booze and fun. If you're the proud chef, save the lion's share of your merriment for when your work is done; proper cooking requires thinking. You'll have fewer mishaps
with fire and sharp things, too. And since we're discussing thinking, give a great meal the thought process it deserves. Plan, make sure you have everything in place and ready to go when you are. In a professional kitchen, we talk about "Getting your mise together." It refers to mise en place, (pronounced meez on plass), French for 'set in place'. Mise en place is a great concept to become familiar with and use. Get everything there, right where you need it, knock out the task, do a quick clean up and move onto the next.
Eben Atwater is a Chef and writer who began cooking professionally in the 1970’s in Washington State and Idaho. In addition to a food blog he publishes with his wife and partner-in-crime Monica, Eben is an accomplished musician and instrument Today’s BoomeR 13 maker. He lives in western Washington State where he manages a bakery-café. Visit www.urbanmonique.com
Steaks To rub or not to rub? Rub. Take your steaks out of the fridge and let them get to room temp before you grill; another little pro trick that makes a big difference. Again, rubs don't need to go on until right before you grill, but go ahead and salt lightly when you pull them from the fridge.
salt. If you like a sweet undertone, add 1/4 cup of light brown sugar as well. Bring the water to a boil, add the salt and or sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Let the brine cool completely to room temperature prior to immersing your bird. If you're pressed for time, use half the water and add the rest as ice, yielding a faster cooling time. If you want to add aromatic herbs, toss them in and allow them to simmer for 15 minutes or so. The same rub construction and application rules apply as they did for beef. In this version, we again used kosher salt and black pepper as dominant notes, with minors of sage, smoked paprika, and dried lemon and orange peel. OK, into the fire, as we say! Start the cooking bone side down, then flip. Notice also, that the skinniest parts most prone to overcooking are all faced out to the coolest perimeter of the grill, and the breasts are dead center.
Our rub consists of kosher salt, smoked peppercorns, sweet paprika, with onion and garlic powders. Use what you like; and go with a couple of teaspoons of dominant flavor note(s) and half teaspoons of your minors. Look at the thickness of what you’re gonna grill. You’ll probably be dealing with a steak roughly an inch thick. With that as a benchmark, plan on one good old rock and roll song per side, and you're good to go for a nice medium rare. Might sound goofy, but about 3 1/2 minutes per side over medium high heat, lid closed, vents open most of the way will get you where you want to be. Make sure to let the steaks rest for five to ten minutes after cooking Don't test or taste or you'll bleed 'em out! Any questions?
Chicken Our preference is to buy a whole roasting chicken and portion it ourselves. Try what we do and leave the skin on as much as possible; it's a great grilling interface and it's delicious. Notice too that we left the bones and skin on the breasts; never throw out flavor! Poultry will pretty much always taste better and be noticeably juicer if you brine it. This is true regardless of the cooking method you plan to employ. For basic brine, use 1/2 gallon of fresh, clean water to 1/4 cup of kosher 14 Today’s BoomeR
With chicken, I like to get the grill interior temp to around 300º F, and make five or six flips throughout the cooking process with the lid down, minimal vents, and always
keeping an eye on the temperature. Check to reach an internal temp of 165º F before pulling them off the fire and allowing to rest for at least 5 minutes, (Remember, don't mess with the rest: You want all those wonderful juices!)
part of your fish and allow 10 minutes cooking time per inch. Don't flip, just let it do its thing. A couple of minutes rest after grilling is all you need. Try this wet rub of ours and you won't need or want anything else on it, guaranteed. We paired ours with Minnesota wild rice done up with fresh orange, and some gorgeous snap peas. Who could ask for anything more?
Chillin' So, the cooking's done, time to eat and time for treats for the chefs! Almost everywhere these days you can find locally made beer and wine. When it comes to pairing with the goodies we've shown you, that's what you want to aim for. Find a local that you've not tried and saddle up! For beef, try a nice dry red wine, or a brown ale. With
Fish Here in the northwest, salmon is our go-to, and for good reason. The relatively oily, firm flesh grills wonderfully. Find something local and fresh whenever possible and go with that; fresh trumps fancy, every time. Our go-to salmon wet rub is simple and delicious. Use equal parts each extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter (about an ounce each for a fillet like this one), 1/2 ounce of good bourbon, two teaspoons of dark brown sugar, and a tablespoon of fresh lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit juice as you please. Over medium heat, combine everything, taking care when adding the booze that you don't foam over. the chicken, a hearty white or a nice light pilsner will hit Cook until you have a nice, even consistency that will the spot. And for the salmon, consider a nice sparkler to coat a spoon. Brush onto your salmon and light the fires! cut the richness of the fish, or perhaps a tangy India Pale Ale. Get local, get fresh, and you'll never go wrong! Fish should cook over medium heat, lid closed, vents open, (about 300º F) in the grill. Measure the thickest Today’s BoomeR 15
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Here is a Sneak Peak of the Next Issue of Today’s BoomeR BoomeR!! July / August 2013 Issue:
Parents to Grandparents
Staying Fit After 50
Boomer Travel: Car Show Crusin’
Make your Garden Greener
Boomer Fact or Fiction
Summer Style: Retro is New Healthy Eating: Fresh from the Farm
And More...
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