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Enjoy A Safe Labor Day

Megan HerrenAdvice, Summer

Labor Day provides an opportunity to enjoy one last long weekend with fun in the sun, barbecues, pool parties, and vacations. Although summer officially ends on Sunday, September 22, 2024, Labor Day typically marks the unofficial close of the summer entertaining and recreation season. As individuals and families prepare to fire up the grill or float in the pool one last time, they are reminded to heed key tips to stay safe and healthy.

· Fireworks may have been components of celebrations all summer long, but it is always best to leave fireworks displays to the professionals. Also, sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures (approximately 2,000 F) which is hot enough to melt some metals. They’re are not recommended for children to handle.

· Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be a recipe for injuries or fatalities. Remember, just because it may be legal in some areas to use recreational marijuana, doesn’t mean it is legal to drive under the influence of it. Individuals should leave the driving to a designated driver or a taxi or rideshare service if they plan to imbibe or use marijuana.

· Water-related injuries and deaths are highest among young children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says drownings continue to be the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4. Extreme caution should be used in and around pools and other bodies of water whenever children are present. When swimming publicly, swim only where lifeguards are on duty.

· Even though summer is winding down, the risk for skin cancer remains elevated. Continue to apply sunscreen when heading outdoors for Labor

Day fun.

· No one wants to leave a Labor Day barbecue with food poisoning. All party hosts should remember to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold while entertaining and to remember to cook foods to the correct internal temperature. Even if a grilled steak looks charred on the outside, that does not necessarily mean it is well-done in the middle. Verify temperatures with a meat thermometer.

· Even the most well-behaved pets may become skittish on holidays like Labor Day, when there are many loud noises and unfamiliar sights and smells. It is best to have a pet microchipped in the event he or she gets out of the home or yard when fireworks, thunder or loud crowds scare them off. Shelters or veterinarians can scan the chip to identify the pet’s owner.

Labor Day closes out the summer season with a bang. It is important to continue to be safe while enjoying one last hurrah.

Families Can Make The Most of Summer’s End

Megan HerrenFamily, Outdoors, Summer

It seems like just yesterday people were heralding the arrival of summer. After many months of fickle weather, summer’s warm temperatures and ample sunshine can be that hug from Mother Nature people need. But soon summer will be coming to an end, making room for apples, corn and pumpkin spice.

Even though summer will soon be singing its swan song, there is still plenty of time for families to enjoy the waning days of surf and sunshine. Here are some family-friendly options to consider.

Catch A Concert

Summer is a time of year when many artists go on tour and sell out everything from arenas to ampitheaters to more intimate venues. Find a singer the entire family enjoys and grab some tickets.

Pick Fruit

Peach season varies depending on where you live, but May through September is a prime time for pick-your-own farms to open their orchards to the peach-picking public. Turn those peaches into pies for Labor Day festivities.

Watch Some Fireworks

Those who didn’t have an opportunity to catch a fireworks display already this summer, or who enjoyed it so much that they want more, can find out when the next big display will take place. Some beachside towns and even amusement parks regularly host fireworks shows on the weekends.

Climb A Lighthouse

National Lighthouse Day occurs on August 7. Locate a lighthouse within driving distance and visit one of the beautiful and historic structures that commemorate maritime history. For example, Sandy Hook Lighthouse in New Jersey, which was lit for the first time in 1764, is the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.

Pick A Day To Re-Do

Ask all members of the family what sticks out in their minds as the best summer day so far. It may have been paddle boarding in a lake or taking a scenic drive. Compile the answers and then pick one activity to enjoy all over again.

Head To A State Fair

State fairs fill calendars this time of year. They’re perfect ways to enjoy carnival rides, fair foods, live entertainment, and even livestock.

Watch Balloons Rise

Check to see if there is a hot-air balloon festival taking place nearby. Watch these huge items become lighter than air and get lifted off the ground.

Enjoy An Outdoor Movie

Purchase or borrow a movie projector and set up a screen outdoors. That screen can be an actual outdoor screen or a white sheet stretched between two poles. Invite the neighborhood to come over, set up picnic blankets and enjoy a family flick.

Camp Out

Pitch a tent at a campground or even in your own backyard and spend an evening sleeping under the stars.

Visit A Garden or Arboretum

Plan a day trip to a botanical garden or arboretum to view the various trees, flowers and shrubs in bloom. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day in nature.

Families can wind down from summer by engaging in various enjoyable activities before a new school year begins.

Fresh Peach Crumble Bars

Megan HerrenBaking, Recipes, Summer

Summer is a time of year when people can enjoy their pick of fresh fruit at farm stands, supermarkets and other retailers. Many fruit trees, plants and bushes are ready for harvest in the spring and summer, meaning there’s no limit to the number of delicious recipes one can whip up with these sweet offerings.

Peaches are a favorite ingredient in many different types of desserts, from cobblers to pies. But in this recipe for “Fresh Peach Crumble Bar,” peaches are presented as a cross between a cake and cookie. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of Saving Room for Dessert, as adapted from AllRecipes.com.

Fresh Peach Crumble Bars

Yield 20

Crust/Crumb Topping:

1 cup granulated sugar

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Peach layer:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

5 large peaches, peeled and diced

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1 tablespoon milk (more or less for desired consistency)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F if using a glass pan or dark metal pan, or 375 F for a light metal pan. Lightly grease or spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, 3 cups of flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter, blend in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add the lightly beaten egg and mix until the dough starts to hold together, but is still crumbly. Gently press a little more than half the dough into the prepared pan. (Optional: Use a food processor to process these ingredients.)

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Add the diced peaches and toss to combine. Drizzle the lemon juice over the peaches and toss to coat. Pour the peach mixture over the crust and spread evenly.

4. Using your hands, press together handfuls of the remaining crumb topping to create clumps. Scatter the clumps and remaining crumbled topping over the fruit layer, leaving some peaches showing through.

5. If using a glass pan, bake at 350 F for 50 to 55 minutes or until lightly browned. If using a metal pan, bake at 375 F for 40 to 45 minutes. Cool completely, then chill before cutting and icing.

6. Whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract and milk. Drizzle on the bars just before serving.

Adventure Awaits Close To Home

Megan HerrenOutdoors, Summer

It’s not uncommon for individuals to think that the ultimate vacation adventure requires venturing far and wide. But there are plenty of exciting ways to get your thrills even if you don’t stray too far from home. Here is how to plan a summer adventure right in your own neighborhood.

Visit an Amusement or Theme Park

Spending a day or two at a theme park or amusement park can expose travelers to different rides, sights, attractions, food, and people. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation operates 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Water parks, summer carnivals and local theme parks also can make for fun excursions.

Scale Great Heights

Figure out what is the highest peak where you live and then hike to the top of that lookout. Many of the tallest peaks in North America are along the border between the state of Alaska and Canada, but there are plenty of lofty elevations elsewhere on the continent.

Try a New Food

Experience a new culture by visiting a restaurant that serves food from a country that you’ve never visited. You can score even more brownie points if you opt for an ingredient that is new to you as well.

Go Rafting or Tubing

The power of moving water is very impressive. Rafting and tubing enables people to get swept away by rapids and see the landscape as it goes rushing by. Choose a pace that suits you and build up rapid size and speed as you gain more experience.

Try a New Water Sport

Stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking can be entertaining ways to enjoy the water. These are not only great adventurous activities, they’re also solid workouts for many parts of the body.

Go Fishing

Fishing may seem like a slow-paced sport, but your adrenaline soon will be pumping when a fish bites and you’re reeling in a monster catch. Some of the best times to fish are at dawn and dusk when fish are more likely to hit.

Swim in the Ocean

Head to the coast and dive through the waves. The summer months are the perfect times to take a dip as the ocean water becomes a more comfortable swimming temperature. Always swim in locations where lifeguards are present, and be sure to check red flag warnings for rip currents or rough surf. Keep an eye out for marine life as well.

Catch a Baseball Game

Purchase tickets to a game at a stadium near you and cheer on the team with thousands of other fans. In addition to watching Major League Baseball, there are many minor league teams with impressive stadiums. Tickets for minor league games may be easier to come by and softer on the wallet.

Summer adventures do not have to require traveling far. There are plenty of exciting ideas close to home.

Tips To Clean Your Grill

Megan HerrenAdvice, Grilling, Summer

Millions of people across the globe have a passion for grilling. Cooking over an open flame imparts a unique flavor to a variety of foods, and that profile can be augmented with marinades, wood chips and a host of other tweaks that help to create a delicious finished product.

Though many people grill throughout the year, this particular method of cooking is most popular in summer, when welcoming temperatures compel cooks to prepare meals outdoors. As grilling season kicks into high gear, grillmasters can embrace these strategies to ensure their grills remain clean.

Clean After Each Use

Once food is cooked, cooks’ minds immediately shift to eating. But cleaning a grill immediately after each use can make it easier to remove all the debris that can gather as foods cook. Fat, grease, melted cheese, marinades, and other substances can accumulate on the grill over time. Though grillmasters can eat before cleaning their grills, keep the fire going until after eating (vents can be slightly closed to reduce the heat somewhat), then scrape food and other debris off the grill. Grates that are still warm are easier to clean, but use heat-proof grilling gloves when cleaning warm or hot grates to reduce burn risk.

Oil The Grates Before Cooking

A light coating of oil brushed onto the grill grates prior to cooking can reduce the likelihood that food sticks to the grill while it’s being cooked. Food stuck to a grill can be difficult to remove, but the oil can reduce the likelihood that ground beef from burgers or chicken breasts will stick to the cooking surface.

Deep Clean The Grill Every So Often

Grill grates may not need a deep clean after each use, particularly when only preparing food for a handful of people. However, a deep cleaning every so often, and after heavy usage during backyard barbecues, can remove debris that can accumulate and pose a health risk over time. Follow the grill manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning the grill. Some might suggest traditional dish soap like Palmolive is safe to use, while others might recommend particular soaps that can protect the long-term life of the grill. Cast-iron grill grates generally should not air dry, so dry these parts off immediately after cleaning.

Use The Right Tools

Steel grill brushes are popular, but these cleaning tools can be unsafe. Steel brush bristles can break off during vigorous cleaning sessions, and they may get stuck on the grill during the cleaning process. If stuck on the grill, steel bristles can easily attach to food. The cooking experts at Epicurious note that steel brush bristles can cause throat and/or abdominal issues if consumed. Alternatives to steel bristle grill brushes are widely available, but grillmasters should know that some, including nylon brushes, should not be applied to a grill until its grates have cooled off.

Clean All Components

Grease traps, ash pans and the interior of the grill, including its sides and the inside of lids, can be periodically cleaned to reduce grease buildup and the risk of exposure to germs.

Grilling is a wildly popular summer pastime. Ensuring grills are clean prior to cooking can make foods more flavorful and decrease the risk of illness.

Beat Seasonal Traffic This Summer

Megan HerrenSummer, Travel

No one wants to get stuck in traffic, especially when they’re trying to get away to enjoy any number of summertime events. Chances are many individuals and families will be looking to maximize the opportunity to have fun this weekend. Provided weather is favorable, travelers will likely be numerous and traffic stands to once again be an issue.

Although there is no foolproof way to prevent idling behind a long row of vehicles taking people to their summer vacation destinations, there are ways to reduce the odds of being stuck in traffic.

Travel Overnight

No, it’s not comfortable to push off the comforts of bed and the restorative nature of sleep to get behind the wheel, but traveling late at night may be the best way to beat traffic. Car volume is definitely at a minimum at night, and you can sail through relatively unencumbered by traffic. Kids likely will sleep throughout the ride, and adults can take a nap when they get to the destination. Traveling very early may not suffice in the summer, as people often leave their homes at dawn to grab prime real estate at the beach.

Carpool With Others

Reducing the number of cars on the road may come down to carpooling. If possible, travel with friends or family heading to the same place, and share the driving responsibilities. Traffic also may be less irritating with others in the car chatting away the time.

Choose A Less Popular Destination

Many travelers congregate in certain hot spots come the summer, and on holidays. Beach locales are going to bear the brunt of the visitors. Whether it’s Laguna Beach in California, Clearwater Beach in Florida, the Outer Banks in North Carolina, or Long Beach Island in New Jersey, corridors leading to the coast will be jammed. Travelers may want to reserve the beach for weekdays when they’re not so packed, and head inland or to a lake or river if they desire a water retreat on weekends and holidays.

Stay Local

One of the ways to avoid traffic is to stay close to home. Make your home the party hub and have others come to you for barbecues or time spent in the pool. Hosting is work, but that can be offset by avoiding the stress of traveling.

Take A Train, Bus or Ferry

Leaving the car at home and taking public transportation may be a better option on gridlocked summer weekends and holidays. Explore the availability of public transportation in the area.

Traffic is a component of summer and warm weather holidays. Circumventing the stop-and-go comes down to planning and patience.

How To Keep An AC Unit Running Strong

Megan HerrenAdvice, Seasonal, Summer

Air conditioners are a lifeline come the dog days of summer, when soaring temperatures make a well-cooled home a welcome respite from the outdoors. Maintaining an AC unit ensures it will be there to keep everyone cool when the mercury rises. The following are some steps homeowners can take to keep their AC units in tip-top shape this summer.

Replace The Air Filter On The Unit

Dirt, dust, debris, and pollen can quickly fill the filter on an AC unit. Replacing these filters prior to summer can make the unit operate more efficiently and keep cool air circulating throughout the house all summer. Homeowners can first identify which type of unit they have and then find an online tutorial to see how to replace the filter. Some filters are more expensive than others, but the cost is still low and the energy savings can be substantial.

Schedule Annual Maintenance On The Unit

Routine maintenance performed by a local HVAC technician is another way to ensure an AC unit is running at peak capacity when it’s most needed. Such maintenance is perhaps most effective in spring, as that ensures the unit is running strong from the first heat wave of the summer all the way through Labor Day. HVAC technicians can identify problems and recommend services that homeowners may not recognize they need until it’s already hot out. Annual maintenance appointments also give HVAC professionals a chance to assess a system compared to the previous year, which can help them identify if a unit is nearing its end. That can ensure homeowners are not caught off guard when the unit needs to replaced.

Help The Unit Make It Through The Summer

Whether it’s a typical summer or one marked by a handful of heat waves, AC units can use a little help to get through the season. Closing curtains throughout the house on hot afternoons is a natural way to keep a home cool during a heat wave, and that can cut back on home cooling costs and protect a unit from being overworked. Ceiling fans also can be installed to keep rooms cool and circulate air, which also makes a hot summer a little less taxing on an AC unit.

Use A Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to set the temperatures inside their homes throughout the day. If no one is home during the afternoon, there’s no reason to have the AC cranking. Program the thermostat so the house is comfortable when people are home, but raise the desired temperature when no one is around. That gives the AC unit a break during the day and can help to dramatically reduce the cost of cooling the home.

AC units will not last forever, but some simple maintenance can improve their life expectancy and keep homes comfortable throughout the summer.

6 Tips For Staying Hydrated This Summer

Megan HerrenAdvice, Summer

Summer is marked by hot and humid conditions. After all, the band The Lovin’ Spoonful didn’t sing, “Hot town, summer in the city. Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty” because the summer weather is crisp and cool. Although summer temperatures can make a day at the beach or in the pool ideal, that rising mercury also can contribute to dehydration.

The Mayo Clinic advises that water is critical to every cell, tissue and organ in the human body. The body relies on water to function properly. Water helps to regulate body temperature, flush waste from the body, lubricate and cushion joints, and promote healthy digestion. And that’s just the start. So when temperatures climb and the body begins sweating to cool off, it is vital to replenish lost fluids at a faster rate. The U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine says women should consume 2.7 liters of fluid per day, while men need 3.7 liters. These amounts increase if one is exercising, sweating, has an illness like a fever, or is vomiting.

The following are six ways to stay properly hydrated to avoid adverse reactions during hot summer days.

1. Consume a glass of water when you wake up. Start the day off with some water to give you an energy boost and get your metabolism moving.

2. Coffee and tea count toward fluid intake. Drinking your favorite tea or coffee is an another way to take in fluids. A 2016 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that caffeine doesn’t contribute to dehydration for healthy adults, so having a cup or two should be fine.

3. Certain foods are hydrating as well. Hydrating foods include cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, and peppers. The Mayo Clinic says the average person gets 20 percent of his fluid intake from food.

4. Make water more fun. Add unsweetened flavoring to water if you find plain water too bland. You can squeeze in lemon or lime juice, or float cucumber or apple slices in the water for some flavor.

5. Reach for calorie-free beverages before food. It’s easy to mistake the signs of dehydration for hunger. By drinking a glass of water or another unsweetened beverage prior to every meal, you can stay hydrated and reduce the amount of food you eat. This can be part of a healthy weight loss plan.

6. Occasionally consume electrolyte powders and drinks. Working out in the heat or sweating profusely can unbalance electrolytes in the body. The Cleveland Clinic says electrolytes are substances that help the body regulate chemical reactions and maintain balance between fluids inside and outside of your cells. They include sodium, calcium and potassium. An electrolyte-infused beverage can help replenish these lost substances.

Staying hydrated is essential at all times, but it’s especially important when summer temperatures can make loss of body fluid more significant.

Enjoy Stuffed Burgers This Barbecue Season

MBEhleGrilling, Recipes, Summer

Barbecue season has arrived, so soon people will be bonding in the backyard over hamburgers and hot dogs. Backyard barbecue season begins in spring and continues through summer and, where the weather allows, into fall. Barbecues are a perfect summertime soiree, as they’re usually laid back affairs and make use of the pleasant weather.

While it’s fun to expand your culinary horizons over the open flame of a grill, it’s important that you never forget the basics, especially when entertaining crowds who are no doubt looking forward to grilled burgers. Giving the masses what they want is good hosting, but you can still try your hand at a little experimentation when serving burgers at your next backyard barbecue. The following recipe for “Herb Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Burgers” from Andrew Schloss’ and David Joachim’s “Mastering the Grill” (Chronicle Books) provides the best of both worlds.

Herb Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Burgers

Makes 6 servings

2 pounds ground beef chuck, 85 percent lean

2 tablespoons chopped garlic

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 tablespoons herbed garlic cream cheese, such as Boursin

6 hamburger buns, split

Oil for coating grill grate

The Grill

Gas: Direct heat, medium-high 425 F to 450 F; clean,

oiled grate

Charcoal: Direct heat, light ash; 12-by-12-inch charcoal

bed (about 3 dozen coals); clean, oiled grate on lowest

setting

Wood: Direct heat, light ash; 12-by-12-inch bed, 3 to 4

inches deep; clean, oiled grate set 2 inches above the fire

1. Heat the grill as directed.

2. Using your hands, mix the beef, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well blended; do not overmix. Using a light touch, form into 12 patties no more than 1/2-inch thick.

3. Put a portion (about 11/2 teaspoons) of cream cheese in the center of each of the 6 patties; top with the remaining patties and press together, taking care to seal the edges well. Refrigerate the burgers until the grill is ready.

4. Brush the grill grate and coat it with oil. Put the burgers on the grill, cover and cook for 9 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes, for medium-done (150 F, slightly pink). Add a minute per side for well-done (160 F).

5. To toast the buns, put them cut-sides down directly over the fire for the last minute of cooking.

6. If serving the burgers directly from the grill, serve on the buns. If the burgers will sit, even for a few minutes, keep the buns and burgers separate until just before eating.

Fun Ways To Celebrate The Summer Solstice

MBEhleSeasonal, Summer

Summer is a great time to enjoy recreational activities that take advantage of the great outdoors. This year summer arrives on June 20 with the summer solstice, which features the most hours of daylight of any day for the entire year. Celebrants who want to usher in another summer of fun in the sun can embrace these ideas for commemorating the start of summer.

Watch the Sunrise

Get up early and watch the sun come up on the longest day of the year. Then be sure to catch the sunset to enjoy every minute of daylight.

Host a Cookout

Memorial Day, Canada Day and Independence Day get most of the barbecue glory this time of year. But there’s nothing that says the first day of summer shouldn’t be a reason to gather friends and family for a cookout. June 20 falls on a Thursday this year, so the solstice provides the perfect excuse to take a four-day weekend and celebrate the official arrival of summer.

Light a Campfire

Traditional Midsummer’s Eve/summer solstice celebrations featured bonfires. Hold on to the tradition by gathering people around a campfire or backyard firepit. S’mores make the perfect complement to a campfire scene.

Grab Some Ice Cream

Cool off on the summer solstice by visiting a nearby ice cream shop and indulge in a sundae or triple-decker cone.

Go on a Nature Hike

Enjoy the great outdoors with a relaxing hike through a park or nature trail.

Participate in a Beach Clean-up

Make a beach trip even more enjoyable by signing up for a clean-up to clear the sand of litter. Organize an impromptu beach clean-up session either solo or with some like-minded friends.

Pick Fresh Fruit

Many berries come into season in the summer. Head to a nearby pick-your-own farm and grab fresh fruit to enjoy right away or utilize your pickings in recipes.

Plant a Flower Garden

Clean up garden beds or go to the nursery and grab some colorful annuals to spruce up areas around the yard.

The summer solstice is an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of summer and all the fun that comes with it.

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