Light Up The GRILL This FATHER’s DAY!

By

Art Department

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May 27, 2021

St. Louis Style Pork Spare Ribs

with Coffee Cocoa Dry Rub

Recipe courtesy of pitmaster Chris Lilly

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 3 1/2 hours Servings: 4-6

7 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

4 teaspoons chili powder

1 tablespoon ground coffee

2 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened dark cocoa powder

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

3/4 teaspoon ancho chile pepper

1/8 teaspoon coriander

1/8 teaspoon turmeric

2 racks Smithfield St. Louis Style Pork Spareribs,

membrane removed

Build charcoal fire for indirect cooking by situating coals on one side of grill, leaving other side empty. Heat grill to 250° F.

To make dry rub: In small bowl, combine salt, brown sugar, chili powder, coffee, cocoa, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ancho chile pepper, coriander and turmeric.

Generously apply dry rub onto front and back of pork ribs. Gently pat to ensure rub adheres.

Put ribs meat-side up over indirect heat, away from coals, close lid and cook until ribs are tender, about 3 1/2 hours.

Remove ribs from grill and let rest, uncovered, 5 minutes. Slice ribs between bones and serve.

#14184 Source: Smithfield (Family Features)

Pineapple Pork Kebabs

Recipe courtesy of pitmaster Sterling Ball

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Servings: 3-4

1/2 Smithfield Prime Boneless Fresh Pork Loin

1 sweet onion, cut into 1-1 1/2-inch square pieces

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-1 1/2-inch square pieces

2 cups pineapple chunks

3-4 tablespoons barbecue rub

2 1/2 cups teriyaki marinade

3-4 flexible skewers

Heat grill or smoker to 250° F. Cut pork loin into 2-inch cubes.

Season pork loin, sweet onion, red bell pepper and pineapple chunks with rub.

Thread pork loin, onion, pepper and pineapple on skewer;

repeat until length of skewer is almost full. Repeat with

additional skewers.

Put assembled kebabs in large re-sealable bag and add teriyaki marinade. Carefully remove air from marinade bag and refrigerate 20 minutes.

Remove kebabs from marinade bag and place on grill over

indirect heat; cook 12-14 minutes, remove and set aside.

Increase grill temperature to 400° F. Sear kebabs at high heat, until caramelized. Using meat thermometer, check pork loin cubes for doneness; remove from heat once pork reaches internal temperature of 145° F.

TOP TACO DOG

By

Denise Gianatasio

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May 27, 2021

It’s a hot dog! It’s a taco! It’s Father’s Day, June 20th! Plan on spending time with Dad, keeping it simple for the guy who eases all the burdens of those he loves. Surprise him with this meal idea because this is no ordinary hot dog…it’s a taco dog! A warmed corn tortilla wrapped around a hot dog, with all your Dad’s favorite toppings. The variety of combinations opens the door to endless themes, especially since the ideas for toppings are unlimited; delicious and fun to create, bringing out the kid in all of us. The crazy combo is most likely to be two of your Dad’s favorite foods united. I believe he will be delighted with this new concept; the most doggone, delicious recipe. So, replace that hot dog bun and gather some tasty ingredients to make his day a great one. This Father’s Day, adore and celebrate your Dad with unconditional love; treat him like the faithful friend he is…The Top Dog! Happy Father’s Day to all the important father figure’s out there, and to anyone you have a powerful, constant and unchanging love for. Father’s, you are the pillars in the development of a child’s well-being, giving us the strength and security we need! Thank You! xoxo Denise

Preparation:

Shop for items—

• Good quality hot dogs

• Warmed corn tortilla

Suggested Toppings:

Shredded jack cheese, melted cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, sautéed onions, bacon, pickles, relish, jalapeno peppers, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, chili sauce, drained sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup, barbeque sauce, etc.…

Treat Dad This Father’s Day

By

Joanna Adduci Reed

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May 27, 2021

As a self-proclaimed carnivore, there is nothing I love more than a proper steak. Crispy seared on the outside, medium-rare on the inside – simple, tasty, perfect. I’ve been crafting my list of Long Island steakhouses for years now, constantly adding and removing based on frequent visits with friends and family. For Father’s Day, there is nothing quite as wonderful as taking dad to a swanky steakhouse and going all-out – wine, sides, steak, desserts – the works. My safe seven include: 2 Spring, Rothmann’s Steakhouse, Bryant & Cooper, Vintage Steakhouse, Robke’s, IMC Imperial Meat Company, and of course, Peter Luger Steak House. I’ve had unforgettable beef-induced experiences at each of these establishments and appreciate them for unique reasons, each offering something distinctive.

2 Spring is “an American Brasserie highlighting fresh seafood, premium farm-to-table meats, and a deep wine list”. It is cozy and has some of my favorite starters (and cocktails) on Long Island. Begin your meal with the Fried Chicken, served with Cucumber, Yuzu & Togarashi. If you’re coming in just for your steak-fix, order their signature 14oz Brandt New York Strip served with an onion ring and herbs. Spoiler alert: You may never think of steak the same way again. Executive Chef Jesse Schenker, Chef Julian Rios & Chef Juan Meza are some of my newfound culinary heroes.

Rothmann’s Steakhouse, Bryant & Cooper, Robke’s, Vintage Steakhouse and IMC Imperial Meat Company are all local, reputable go-tos. Signature steakhouse feel, awesome sides & cocktails, a good opportunity to skip the casual clothes and dress up – I recommend all of these awesome spots. At Rothmann’s, I opt for the Chas Kobe Burger with Fois Gras & Brie or the Prime Rib. At Bryant & Cooper, the Tomato & Burrata Salad and the Filet Cajun Style. When visiting Vintage Steakhouse, order the Tomahawk & the Lobster Mac and Cheese. (Have dessert here too!) IMC Imperial Meat Company offers a chic atmosphere and enormous desserts. You can’t go wrong with the New York Strip Steak or Filet. (Great brunch and happy hour options too!) At my neighborhood safe-haven, Robke’s, I’ll get the steak with a side of pasta. Louie and his crew always go above and beyond – don’t expect anything less than grandeur.

Last but not least, Peter Luger’s Steakhouse. Iconic, must-try, New York to the core. Splurge – order the expensive wine, the sides (my picks are the sizzling bacon, creamed spinach, and French fries), plus the desserts. Go all out. This place is special, and it’s no wonder it’s a New York foodie landmark. Do yourself a favor and order the steak for two, or three, or four (depending on your party size). No words can do justice to this juicy, perfectly cooked piece of meat – you just have to try it for yourself. If you’re not in the mood for steak, their burger is legendary. (Thank me later.) They have locations in Great Neck, and the iconic Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Broadway.

This Father’s Day, treat dad to something special and visit an iconic, no-frills New York steak house. Dad deserves it.

A Cobbler Full OF Summer Flavors

By

Art Department

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May 27, 2021

This summer, get a little wild in the kitchen and make something different. It’s alright to mix up the seasonal menu now and again by creating dishes out of the ordinary as a change up from the usual warm-weather favorites.

It’s true for many fruits that the summer months are their ideal season. However, eating fruit plain can be boring and bland on a hot day.

This summer, when heading to an event like a family reunion, picnic or just a day at home, try making this Oh-So-Berry Cobbler. It’s served warm and is a perfect sweet treat when berries are at their freshest. Full of summer goodness, it’s a treat for everyone to enjoy with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and a splash of lemon juice served with ice cream.

This cobbler is the perfect addition to any party menu or special occasion. Find more summer recipes at www.culinary.net

Oh-So-Berry Cobbler

Servings: 8

2 cups strawberries, sliced

2 cups blackberries

2 cups blueberries

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

nonstick cooking spray

ice cream

Heat oven to 350° F. In large bowl, mix strawberries, blackberries and blueberries then add lemon juice and cornstarch; mix to combine. Refrigerate 20 minutes.

In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In bowl of stand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar and vanilla extract on medium speed until blended. Gradually add flour mixture until crumbles form.

Spray 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour berries into bottom of dish. Top berries with crumbles. Bake 30-40 minutes, or until lightly browned. Serve with ice cream.

(#15603 Source: Culinary.net Family Features)

Cool Weather Crops (Shady Areas)

By

Krista Pasfield

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May 27, 2021

Chances are, your backyard has undergone changes over time. Trees grow, sheds are replaced, and perhaps your previously full-sun vegetable patch is now more like part-sun. Don’t despair! Cool weather crops can be season-long producers in the shadier part of your garden.

Lettuce, peas, and radishes typically bolt or won’t produce once the weather turns hot. However, if your garden patch still gets early morning and late afternoon sun, you can extend the growing season of these salad favorites right through the dog days of summer. For a continuous crop, sow in succession: replace radish seeds as you harvest, plant lettuce seeds every two weeks for a continuous harvest (buttercrunch is the most heat tolerant), and keep pea vines picked clean to encourage production.

If you enjoy cool weather crops but your garden is in full sun all day long, consider grow pots. These are typically made of dark fabric, which holds in the heat during the early and late parts of the growing season. When growing crops that produce underground, such as potatoes and carrots, choose a grow pot style with side flaps or windows. The flaps or windows allow you to see if the crop is ready to harvest. No more guessing or accidentally pulling crops early, and you can harvest on-demand, while the rest of the crop continues to grow.

Grow pots also usually have handles for easy relocation, so they can be placed and moved anywhere in the yard to optimize sun exposure. Make sure that wherever they are placed, the grow pots receive adequate water. Consider placing them on a deck, patio, or right in landscaped beds. Don’t forget to protect whatever is in the grow pot from curious or hungry wildlife! See my May “Gardening Tips” article for suggestions on how to safely and humanely protect your crops.

Applying a little creativity while working with nature means you can get the most out of your gardening efforts, and enjoy healthy and delicious home-grown veggies from spring through fall!

2021…Return To Travel

By

Claudia Fenner

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May 27, 2021

A year ago, traveling felt effortless and we were in full swing. I had my packing down to a science. I knew just where to park at the airports and I monitored my frequent flier accounts daily, figuring out the best way to earn and redeem miles. I constantly checked our hotel reservations seeing if any had dropped in price to have them adjusted. I was planning 6 months to a year in advance until just like on Seinfeld, I hit the Van Wyck. Or, in the case of 2020 COVID hit us.

A few weeks ago, we took our first flying vacation in over a year. We could have chosen someplace close but instead, we flew 5000 miles to Hawaii. If we were going to make the effort it might as well be a doozy!

There were many hoops to jump through before we embarked on this adventure. Biggest hoop of all was whether we felt comfortable enough to go. My husband was vaccinated…I was not. It was a lot to think about and ponder. The airlines and hotels having liberal cancellation policies really helped in the case we changed our mind at the last minute.

The state of Hawaii had very strict guidelines as to what a traveler had to do to enter Hawaii without a mandatory 10-day quarantine. 72 hours before our flight left the mainland, we had to take a COVID test at an approved state of Hawaii location. Then we were required to upload the negative results to an account each of us had created on the state of Hawaii website.

The morning of our departure day dawned and we were on that once very familiar drive to JFK. The airport was fairly empty as it was very early. We flew Delta (as always) and they truly did bend over backward to observe safe COVID protocols. We felt more relaxed than I thought we would. I also was afraid that keeping a mask on for all those hours (2 to Atlanta and 9.5 from Atlanta to Honolulu) would be an issue, but it wasn’t at all.

Tired but exhilarated, we arrived and it was mostly like old times…except with a mask. It was so wonderful to be in a different location. It made us feel as though life as we knew it—before COVID, would return sometime soon. Traveling was different. There were many more things to consider and prepare for, although the excitement and thrill still remained.

We flew home 6 days later which also required some hoop jumping to re-enter NYS. We tested and tested again and then settled back into being home. I am purposely savoring every last bit of jet lag as I don’t know when our next far flung away vacation will be.

Wishing all my readers a healthy, safe and satisfying travel adventure whenever it’s the right time for you. Planes, trains or automobiles…it’s good to be back.

Natural Allergy Relief

By

Dr. Dawn Siglain

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May 27, 2021

Allergy season is particularly complicated during a pandemic. Symptoms can leave you feeling sick, assuming you have something more serious than you do. Understanding the root cause of exacerbation of seasonal allergies can help you tremendously. As a Naturopathic Doctor, the medicine I practice is preventative, effective and also fast-acting. The basis of my medicine involves bringing the body back to balance by identifying the root cause.

Let’s dig deeper into the root cause of exacerbation of allergies. There is no denying that pollen and dust are obvious culprits to our itchy eyes & throat, sneezing, etc. What we need to recognize is: Our level of chronic inflammation and if we have oxidative stress. There are numerous ways to assess both of these states which is where Naturopathic Medicine shines. Patients get answers and ultimately learn to understand their bodies. Based on an individual’s needs, optimizing one’s health by decreasing inflammation and reducing oxidative stress is key.

A health plan consists of advice in three ways: Nutrition, Lifestyle Habits & Supplements. This approach is holistic and you will get the maximum benefit when prescribed properly. Natural healing is possible when it comes to seasonal allergies!

The most inflammatory food you can avoid for overall health, especially during allergy season, is dairy. Dairy can create excess mucus production which negatively affects our respiratory system. Spring is the season of our liver, according to Chinese Medicine. Foods that can help support detox include: dandelion, arugula, kale, and sprouts. Herbs via food, teas, tincture, capsules or essential oils (peppermint, honeysuckle and magnolia), can help to open the nasal passages.

Taking simple precautions can have maximum benefits for you and your family. Removing shoes before entering your home/office, showering immediately after being outdoors, washing your sheets in hot water with a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free detergent, replacing old pillows, and having an air filter in the bedroom, can all help to avoid tracking pollen and dust. Exercise is fantastic to decrease inflammation and overall lymphatic support; however, consider working out indoors when the pollen count is high.

Ideally, you want to have a less reactive immune system and decrease your histamine response. This includes anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant support in addition to anti-histamines as well as mucolytics, which thin mucus and support drainage. My favorite anti-histamines are stinging nettles, bromelain and quercetin. Quercetin is also found in onions and apples. NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine), is an anti-oxidant and mucolytic which greatly supports your lung health as the pre-cursor to glutathione, the most powerful anti-oxidant in our body.

If you have chronic inflammation, you want to understand the root cause of its origin. Once that is determined, find a practitioner to guide you through your specific health needs. Lastly, most of our immune system lies in our gut, so it’s important to make sure your digestive system is functioning properly. Assessing your microbiome is extremely useful as a healing tool for overall health and seasonal allergy support. If you are interested in natural allergy relief with Naturopathic Medicine, reach out to Dr. Dawn for a FREE 10 min consult.