Mannino’s Italian Kitchen • Lounge
JOE, FRANK and JOHN ~ Owners
5 Heart Health Tips for the Holidays
5 Heart Health Tips for the Holidays
Food, drinks, gifts and time with family make the holidays a merry occasion for people across the country. However, all that celebrating can sometimes become a distraction from maintaining heart health.
In fact, the joys of the season can become marred for many as research shows an uptick in cardiac events and heart attack deaths during the final week of December. According to a study published in the American Heart Association journal, “Circulation,” more cardiac deaths occur on Dec. 25 than any other day of the year, followed by the second largest number on Dec. 26 and third largest on Jan. 1.
“The holidays are a busy, often stressful time for many of us,” said American Heart Association Chief Clinical Science Officer Mitchell S.V. Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAHA. “Routines are disrupted. We may tend to eat and drink more and exercise and relax less. We’re getting too little sleep and experiencing too much stress. While we don’t know exactly why there are more deadly heart attacks during this time, it’s important to be aware that these factors can snowball, increasing the risk for a deadly cardiac event.”
Being aware of this annual phenomenon and taking a few important, heart-healthy steps can help save lives. Consider these tips from Dr. Elkind and the experts at the American Heart Association.
* Know symptoms and take action. Heart attack signs vary in men and women, but it’s important to recognize them early and call 9-1-1 for help. The sooner medical treatment begins, the better chances of survival and preventing heart damage.
* Celebrate in moderation. Eating healthfully during the holidays doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself. There are ways to eat smart, such as by limiting sodium intake and looking for small, healthy swaps so you continue to feel your best while eating and drinking in moderation.
* Practice goodwill toward yourself. Make time to take care of yourself during this busy season. Reading a favorite book, meditating or even playing with pets are productive ways to reduce stress from the family interactions, strained finances, hectic schedules, traveling and other stressors that can be brought on by the holidays.
* Keep moving. The hustle and bustle of holiday preparation often pushes exercise to the side, but it’s important to stay active as much as possible. Get creative to keep moving by going for a family walk or playing physically active games with loved ones.
* Stick to your medications. Busy schedules can cause some people to skip medications, sometimes even forgetting them at home or not getting refills in a timely manner. Try using a medication chart as a reminder, and be sure to keep tabs on your blood pressure numbers.
Discover more ways to live heart-healthy during the holidays and throughout the year at heart.org.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
#16269 (Family Features)
Source: American Heart Association
How to Ensure Your Holiday Gifts Become Treasured Keepsakes
How to Ensure Your Holiday Gifts Become Treasured Keepsakes
We live in a time when digital communication dominates the way we relate to one another, with many people opting for the speed and convenience of texts and emails over the intention and beauty of handwritten cards, letters or keepsakes.
Even around the holidays, people tend to rely on e-cards, social media updates and other digital tools to do the heavy lifting of yuletide greetings. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By being intentional about it, we can share our sentiments in a way that is much more meaningful and long-lasting.
This season, write your holiday cards by hand, then get inspired by these holiday gift ideas, all of which tap into the pre-internet age to embrace the art of handwritten communication:
• Jazzed up Jewelry: A beautiful piece of jewelry will always be appreciated, but you can truly make the gift special, unique and 100% their own by having it engraved with a special someone’s signature. Whether you gift a watch, bracelet or necklace, adding a loved one’s John Hancock to the item will make a statement and give new meaning to the concept of a “signature accessory.”
• Deck out a Diary: Keeping a journal or diary is an act of self-care and a beautiful way to preserve one’s thoughts, memories, poetry, lyrics, artwork, doodles and more. Gift the tools needed to start and maintain this good-for-you habit. From heavy, serious leather-bound journals with a vintage vibe to compact floral notebooks that fit into a small bag, journals come in all styles, sizes and colors, so find one that will foster creativity in your loved one and consider inscribing its inside flap with a personal message or quote. Pair the journal with a smooth-writing, long-lasting gel ink pen, like the G2 from Pilot, which features black and blue archival-quality ink to ensure their written words stand the test of time and can be appreciated for generations to come.
• Memorialize a Meal: Do you have a special recipe that has been passed down from a loved one’s kitchen? Repurpose a treasured handwritten recipe and have it carved into a cutting board or imprinted on a tea towel. You’ll not only be gifting a useful item for the kitchen, but you’ll also be honoring a special dish, allowing a legacy to live on.
• Upgrade and Inspire: Make sure your loved one is ready for any writing task with the gift of a timeless, sophisticated writing tool. Pilot’s classic Vanishing Point fountain pen features a unique, retractable design and a rhodium plated 18K gold writing nib. Making a thoughtful present for any special occasion, the Vanishing Point comes in an elegant gift box and includes an ink cartridge and converter for easy refilling.
Celebrate the holidays by speaking from the heart, and let your season’s greetings and gifts become treasured, long-lasting heirlooms.
PHOTO SOURCE: BIG STOCK IMAGES (StatePoint)
5 Trending Holiday Looks for the Whole Family
5 Trending Holiday Looks for the Whole Family
Creating trendy ensembles when you just want to stay warm can be a challenge, but this season’s hottest looks make it easy to keep cozy while dressing up or down. Whether you’re aiming for style for a holiday celebration or planning an evening out to shop and take in the holiday lights, this season’s trends have you covered.
Stylish layers and updates to winter wardrobe staples are two keys to nailing this season’s on-trend looks, according to acclaimed American fashion designer Brandon Maxwell, who is collaborating with Walmart as creative director for Free Assembly and Scoop, the retailer’s exclusive, elevated fashion brands.
“Like many people across the country who live in a small town, Walmart was the destination for everything where I grew up, including holiday fashion,” Maxwell said. “When I first teamed up with Walmart, I was excited to bring the joy of fashion to people across the country. Everyone deserves to enjoy their holidays in clothing they love. This year, we are proud to offer the biggest trends in holiday fashion, from cozy outwear to glamorous party looks.”
Maxwell offers these tips for creating the perfect affordable look, no matter where your plans take you this winter:
Metallic Shine: Metallic sweater sets, like a boxy crewneck and matching mini skirt in a glitzy gold shade, are must-have pieces for the holidays. Wear the show-stopping set with matching gold earrings and platform sandals for a head-turning party look.
Layers of Style: Layer festive multicolor patterns in intarsia knits like this Free Assembly fair isle sweater with a plaid puffer jacket for an easy update to winter closet staples like lightly distressed jeans and booties.
Party Perfect: Sophisticated outerwear pieces like a double-breasted coat add a modern touch to classic holiday party looks. Pair with a berry-hued mini dress, black tights and black boots for a look that stands out. For a bit of edge, choose a faux moto jacket layered over a sequin cami top or metallic sweater to complement a faux leather skirt.
Casual Comfort: This season, menswear is all about intentional layering and looks that prioritize both comfort and style. Update vintage-inspired flannels by layering with a quilted puffer pullover and matching them with wintry prints and cargo joggers for a look that’s casual and put together all at once.
Little Lookers: Fashionable little ones can also get decked out this season. Colorful sparkly girl’s dresses from Scoop perfectly complement matching versions for women, ideal for family photos and mommy-and-me moments that make the season extra special. For a more casual event, fair isle sweater dresses in fun shades like lavender can make a classic look oh-so-now.
(Family Features) Find more festive fashion inspiration by visiting Walmart.com.
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Source: Walmart
Crack Holiday Cooking with Eggs
Crack Holiday Cooking with Eggs
The focus for home chefs hosting during the holidays is often centered around the big feast, but if you’re welcoming guests for an extended period or just looking to fuel your immediate family for the festivities, eggs are the perfect partner for cracking holiday cooking and entertaining.
Breakfasts, brunches, lunches, snacks, desserts and more offer delicious opportunities to enjoy flavorful foods with those you love. While preparing a variety of meals may feel overwhelming, you can simplify the season by leaning on eggs to elevate all types of recipes.
This holiday season, home cooks seeking hacks to crack the code of creating memorable, enjoyable, affordable holiday recipes can turn to a versatile ingredient like eggs. An important ingredient of globally influenced dishes honoring different cultures and religions around the globe, eggs can help you tap into celebrations regardless of your own traditions. Plus, eggs make entertaining easy and cost-effective in favorite dishes prepared year after year or when getting creative in the kitchen with something new.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply spending precious moments with your nearest and dearest, there’s no need to compromise easy, affordable indulgence. Add a touch of delicious decadence to brunch with this Sunchokes and Potato Quiche by New York Times best-selling cookbook author and founder of @PreppyKitchen, John Kanell, a flavor-forward way to bring everyone together and make entertaining eggstra special. You can have it all with a homemade crust and veggie-loaded filling by starting with the simple crack of an egg.
Transform your holiday celebrations and make this year one to remember by sharing your creations using #CracktheHolidayswithEggs, and find more recipe inspiration at IncredibleEgg.org.
Sunchokes and Potato Quiche
Recipe courtesy of John Kanell (@PreppyKitchen) on behalf of the American Egg Board
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Servings: 10
Crust:
1 lemon, zest and juice only
1 egg
1 1/3 cups flour
9 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
Quiche:
1/3 cup Yukon gold potatoes, cut into1/2-inch cubes
3/4 cup sunchokes, sliced 1/2-inch thick
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups Swiss chard, chopped with stock removed
Custard:
6 eggs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup grated gouda
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
To make crust: In small bowl, whisk lemon juice with egg.
In large bowl, mix flour, butter and salt. Mix using hands. Drizzle in lemon mixture. Add lemon zest.
Using fingers, knead dough to break down butter. Cover dough with plastic wrap and roll into disc while at room temperature then refrigerate until firm.
To make quiche filling: Preheat oven to 425 F.
Toss potatoes and sunchokes with olive oil, salt and pepper then spread out on baking sheet.
Bake 15-20 minutes, or until fork tender, tossing pieces halfway through.
Add onion to well-buttered pan and cook over medium heat about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until caramel colored. Add Swiss chard and continue cooking until wilted, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.
Roll out dough on pastry mat or well-floured surface. Prick with fork. Carefully transfer dough to quiche pan, fold edges under and crimp then transfer to freezer.
To make custard: Reduce oven temperature to 375 F.
In large bowl, whisk eggs, cheeses, heavy cream, parsley and thyme.
Add caramelized onions and vegetables then mix. Add mixture to crust.
Tent with foil and bake about 20 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 350 F and bake about 40 minutes.
For food safety, casseroles containing eggs should always be cooked at a minimum of 160 F.
Notes: Bake times depend on size of quiche. Deeper quiches may require additional bake time. As quiche cools, filling continues to set; it may wobble when removed from oven.
(Family Features) #16503
Source: American Egg Board
Mannino’s Italian Kitchen • Lounge
There are but a few business owners on Long Island, that own three successful restaurants, each with their own unique characteristics and style.
In 1996, brothers Joe, Frank and John Mannino began their journey with the opening of their first restaurant on Commack Road. Since then, their vision has grown to three locations, that include Smithtown and Oakdale. Nine years ago, they took a leap of faith and decided to relocate the Commack restaurant to a new property, built from the ground up, on Jericho Turnpike. By most standards, it has become their flagship restaurant and is clearly distinct from any other establishment for miles around.
I’ve known the Mannino’s since their inception, and have grown to appreciate what it takes to build a family brand synonymous with distinctive quality and exceptional service.
Though I’ve been to their restaurants many times, I asked Joe Mannino if he would show me his culinary chops with a four course tasting menu. Included were a variety of dishes, paired with some amazing wines. Guided by their General Manager and Sommelier, made this 3 hour dining experience, one that I will remember for a long time to come.
We began our dinner with three appetizers; Grilled Polpo; octopus has a tendency of being a little rubbery or tough, but this starter appeared to have been braised, then Charcoal grilled, tossed with endive, roasted peppers, lemon and extra virgin olive oil. A colorful medley, that was light and delicious. Old World Meatballs w/ Fresh Ricotta; a traditional southern Italian classic. Tender, juicy, and flavorful in a simple tomato sauce, paired with creamy fresh ricotta, played well with the acidity of the tomato sauce. Culatello di Zibello; one of the rarest prosciuttos from Italy, aged 36 months was a real treat. Plated with Mozzarella di Bufala was incredible. Its creamy, texture, complimented the savory cured meat very well, making it a winning combination.
Our next course; Homemade Wagyu Beef, Porchini Mushroom Ravioli; 2 ravioli immersed in a light cream sauce with a touch of tomato. Three words; silky, creamy, savory. Perfezione!
Main courses included; Pollo Alla Scarpariello; every Italian eatery has this classic, but the Mannino’s put a little twist on the typical. A Half chicken was presented, uncut with sliced fingerling potatoes and sweet sausage, accentuated with garlic, rosemary in a light lemon and wine sauce. Higher notes of lemon, seem to cut through any signs of saltiness, elevating overall flavor. White meat can be dry, but this was tender and juicy. Cowboy Style Ribeye; the star of the show was set in a hickory rub for a full day. A bountiful 24 oz cut was plated sliced. A charred encrusted herbs exterior, yet marbleized and juicy within, made this dish “Steak Italiano” style. The herb marinade made the steak stand apart from the traditional broil. Rib-eye is my favorite cut that packs an intense flavor profile. Mannino’s steakhouse quality meat, will not disappoint. A must on your next visit.
After the preceding, one dessert was all we could handle: Red Velvet Layer Cake; a generous slice, layered with vanilla cream, drizzled with an irresistible chocolate and raspberry sauce, then crowned with fresh raspberries. With a classic cappuccino, forget about it!
After our meal, I sat with Joe Mannino for a few minutes and simply asked, what has been the secret to the success of the Mannino brand? In Joe’s own words; “It’s no secret at all. My brothers and I work on making our business better every single day. We are hands on operators and still, after 30 years, go into the kitchen, roll up our sleeves and cook. That aside, we keep our employees engaged and stress the importance of how to best present our hospitality to our loyal clientele.”
“The goal has been and will always be, to make certain that every single plate that is placed in front of our customers exceeds expectations.”
Our focus this evening was on the food. For the wine enthusiast, be sure to know, that Mannino’s staff will assist in pairing your meal with just the right glass of vino. Be ready to have your senses elevated beyond your expectations. Bravissimo Mannino Italian Kitchen and Lounge.
2158 Jericho Turnpike, Commack
manninosrestaurant.com
631.462.0909
Explore What’s Influencing Travel Trends in 2023
Explore What’s Influencing Travel Trends in 2023
Immediately following the COVID-19 lockdown in the United States, outdoor and drivable destinations were in big demand for domestic travelers. As the country has reopened, Americans embraced the idea of getting back to normal and began traveling much as they did prior to the pandemic.
However, travel trends on the horizon for 2023 suggest there is no normal when it comes to travel planning. Instead, individual interests are driving decisions about where to go and what to do.
“We see a detailed and robust picture of travel into 2023,” Expedia Brands President Jon Gieselman said. “We’re seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, a new wave of interest in wellness retreats and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches and mountains. It’s not a new normal so much as people branching out to unexpected trends in what we’re calling the ‘no normal.'”
A close look at these trends suggests there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to travel in 2023. Insights sourced from the company’s first-party data, and from custom research of thousands of travelers and industry professionals across 17 countries, show personal interests and pop culture are heavily influencing travel choices.
Consider these conclusions from the experts at Expedia:
Set-Jetters
Booking a trip after bingeing a popular series will become serious business in 2023. Research confirms streamed movies and TV shows are now the top sources of travel inspiration (40%), outpacing the influence of social media (31%). Furthermore, the small screen is now considered on par with recommendations from friends and family when it comes to travel inspiration.
In the U.S., more than two-thirds (68%) of travelers considered visiting a destination after seeing it in a show or movie on a streaming platform, and a whopping 61% went ahead and booked a trip. Top set-jetter destinations include New Zealand, with its landscapes featured in one of this year’s most epic series, followed by the United Kingdom, Paris, New York and the beach resorts of Hawaii.
Culture Capitals
National parks and rural retreats had big moments the past couple of years. Now, cities are seeing a comeback. Based on traveler demand, most of the destinations seeing the largest increases are culture-rich cities where art and culture festivities are back in full swing. Examples include the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, WorldPride in Sydney and the cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Culture capitals that are calling loudest include:
* Edinburgh, Scotland?
* Lisbon, Portugal?
* Tokyo
* Dublin
* New York
* Sydney
* Dubai, United Arab Emirates?
* Montreal
* Munich
* Bangkok
Gather more ideas and inspiration to help plan an adventure that’s uniquely your own at Expedia.com or by downloading the app.
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Source: Expedia (Family Features)
Recognizing Holiday Hazards
Recognizing Holiday Hazards
5 Seasonal Safety Tips for Pet Owners
The holiday season presents opportunities for celebrating with loved ones, and for many families, that includes their dogs and cats. However, holiday foods and decorations can pose health risks for pets and the hustle and bustle may be overwhelming.
To help keep your pet safe amid the jolly chaos, consider these potential hazards from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, which has more than 1,000 locations across North America that cared for more than 4.5 million pets last year.
Decorations
Decorations are part of almost every holiday celebration but making some pet-proofed choices can make your home safe for four-legged guests as well. If you put up a tree (live or artificial), ensure it’s set up securely and use shatter-proof ornaments, ideally hung above tail height and out of paws’ reach. If you have kittens less than 1 year old in your home, they sometimes like to climb up the tree trunk to the top, so extra care may be needed. Hang smaller ornaments toward the top of the tree to reduce potential choking hazards and avoid salt dough ornaments, which may look like a snack to pets but can cause electrolyte problems, and tinsel as it can become lodged in a pet’s gut and cause issues.
Additionally, consider battery-operated candles instead of real ones, which can be easily knocked over by curious pets and burn them or lead to more serious fire risks. Dangling cords from seasonal decor can also appeal to pets, and if chewed while plugged in could result in electrical shock or burn to the tongue, so secure them out of sight and unplug when not in use.
Food
With the holidays comes a delicious variety of baked goods, chocolate confections and other rich foods. However, some of those seasonal goodies can present problems for pets. For example, chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine that’s highly toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion in small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but large amounts can cause seizures and heart arrhythmias.
Other traditional holiday mainstays such as fruitcakes, breads and cookies that contain grapes, raisins or currants can cause kidney failure in dogs. Sugarless gums and candies may contain xylitol, a natural sweetener, which can cause serious conditions like dangerously low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Leftover fatty meat scraps can produce severe inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), leading to abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
Plants
Although live trees are non-toxic, their needles do not digest well, and their water may contain bacteria, mold or fertilizer that should not be ingested. Additionally, poinsettias, which often have a bad reputation among pet owners, can cause upset stomachs if the leaves are ingested though it’s typically milder than the symptoms associated with holly, mistletoe and amaryllis. Daffodils, lilies and narcissi are also toxic to pets.
Guests
An increase in visitors, ringing of the doorbell and extra excitement of the holiday season can be stressful for pets. Try to keep your four-legged friend’s feeding and exercise schedule as regular as possible, and make time for additional stress-relieving playtime and snuggles. To help avoid overstimulation, it may be best to keep your pets in their own crates or a quiet room with food, water and comfortable bedding while you have company. If you need additional assistance, consult with your veterinarian.
Travel
Holiday travel with your four-legged family members requires some extra packing and precautions. If traveling by car, make sure your pet is safely restrained using a secure harness or carrier and placed away from any airbags. Make sure pets are microchipped and their registration is up to date in case you become separated. Never leave pets alone in a vehicle or transport them in the bed of a truck. Also be sure you have updated health certificates from your veterinarian, if required by any states you will visit or pass through, and pack copies of medical records, first aid supplies, food and medications, leashes, collars and favorite toys.
For more tips to make the holidays safe for pets, visit vcahospitals.com.
(Family Features)
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
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Source: VCA Animal Hospitals
How to Keep Pets Happy and Healthy this Holiday Season
How to Keep Pets Happy and Healthy this Holiday Season
The holiday season means fun and festivities for all but getting wrapped up in all the excitement and celebrations can lead to forgetting about safety and precautions, especially for pets.
Consider these seven tips to help you spot potential hazards around the holidays and keep your pets healthy and happy.
Food for Thought: Sweet treats and savory bites are treasured holiday pastimes for humans, but that can also mean things like chocolates, nuts and animal bones should be supervised carefully so your pets don’t ingest something toxic or harmful. Other human foods to put on the do-not-share list include garlic, onions and grapes. It’s also wise to keep your trash in a tightly sealed container or hidden somewhere your pet can’t access.
Keep Calm and Carry On: The holiday season brings people together for milestones and celebrations, but all the hoopla can be stressful for pets. From the loud music and new visitors to kids running around or fireworks going off, some pets can become overwhelmed. To help keep your pets comfortable and calm, try turning on a TV or some soothing music in a quiet room away from the noises or let them curl up on their favorite bed with a toy or treat to distract them. You can also try introducing a calming supplement like Zesty Paws Calming Bites for Dogs that may help with normal stress, nervousness and hyperactivity during stressful situations.
Watch Out for Tree Trimmings and Poisonous Plants: While poinsettias and festive fir trees are holiday classics, they can also be extremely hazardous to pets. It’s important to be careful about what you’re bringing inside your home. Many holiday plants like holly, lilies, amaryllis and even pine needles from trees can be toxic if ingested. If ingestion does occur, contact a pet poison hotline or your veterinarian. If it’s after hours or in the event of an emergency, find your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic.
Watch the Weather: Changing temperatures and harsh conditions can wreak havoc on human skin, so it’s no surprise it can also affect pets’ skin and coats. You can try reducing their bathing frequency, keeping up with brushings and providing extra hydration to keep them feeling their best. Another way to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy is to add supplements that contain essential fatty acids. A fish oil, like Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, provides omega-3s for dogs to help nourish their skin and coats.
Stick to a Routine: Pets thrive on routines for feeding, potty breaks and exercise, so be conscious of how your holiday plans may shake things up. Try to stick to your regular schedule as closely as possible or consider asking a friend or relative to help if you’ll be away during regular feeding or outdoor break times.
Spend Some Quality Time: In addition to providing companionship and love, spending time with pets can also reduce stress, anxiety and depression; ease loneliness; and encourage exercise and playfulness. Even though you may be traveling or partying with friends, be sure to spend some quality time with your fur babies this holiday season, too.
Give Them Gifts: Humans aren’t the only ones who love to get gifts. Few things beat the look on dog’s faces when you pull out a new toy or treat for them to enjoy. Whether it’s a new leash, ball or cozy bed, be sure you have a little something to give your furry family members this holiday season as well.
For more information and ways to keep your pets happy and healthy, visit ZestyPaws.com.
(Family Features)
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (family with dog)
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Source: Zesty Paws
Smithtown December 2022
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Northport December 2022
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000.