Happy New Year!
September 13, 2014
A Departure From The Ordinary
Located in Pittsburgh’s South Hills area, Lincoln Pointe Apartment homes are available in spacious one and two bedroom floor plans with amenities that go way beyond the everyday.
A Departure From The Ordinary
With an array of accessible restaurants, shopping areas, entertainment choices and business centers only moments away, Lincoln Pointe Apartments redefine luxurious living.
A Departure From The Ordinary
Neighboring the city of Pittsburgh, Lincoln Pointe Apartments allow convenient access to many downtown attractions as well as the Pittsburgh International Airport.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Stress Free Holiday!
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 9:01 AM
The holidays can be a stressful time for any family. This is a great blog about how to get that stress relief you desire around this hectic time of year. These helpful tips will help you with that stress free holiday of your dreams. You can learn more a tmoneycrashers.com.
Plan the Perfect Holiday
It’s important to remember that there is more to Christmas than the giving and receiving of gifts – there are decorations to be made and hung, food to be prepared and served, and homes to be cleaned for guests. However, if you can stay within your budget and set aside sufficient time to complete all these tasks, you and your guests will delight in a stress-free and memorable holiday.
Gifts
The bulk of time and money spent each Christmas revolves around gifts – choosing, buying, and wrapping presents for those we love. This year, consider the following:
A Family Gift Exchange. As families get larger, the costs of buying gifts can be a financial burden. To reduce costs and the time spent shopping, establish a dollar limit for the individual gifts, as well as any other desired criteria (for example, only clothes, toys, books, and gift cards).
Gift Cards. Gift cards allow the receiver to pick his or her perfect gift. In fact, more than 77% of shoppers gifted cards in 2011. Most retailers offer their own, and also accept gift cards issued by major credit card companies, which can be combined to purchase more expensive items. However, when choosing a gift card, be aware that some may charge inactivity fees after one year if the card isn’t used.
Internet Shopping. Shopping online is faster, often cheaper, and far more convenient than visiting brick-and-mortar stores. It is easy to compare prices, gift wrapping is often available, and your purchase can be delivered wherever you choose. Most Internet retailers also guarantee delivery by a certain date.
Price Comparison Apps. Shopping apps enable in-store price comparisons and an easy way to verify and obtain discount coupons to save more money. Consider free apps, such as Price Check for Android devices and Google Shopper for the iPhone.
Personalized, Inexpensive Gifts. These are unique and meaningful. For example, the small illustrated book “I Like You” with a personal note to a family member, business associate, or friend will be cherished and kept for a lifetime. A letter to a friend recalling a special time together or simply telling a loved one how much they mean to you will be remembered for years and always appreciated.
Paid Gift Wrapping. Paying to have your gifts wrapped can save you time as well as money spent on excess wrapping paper, tape, bows, and gift cards. Many retailers offer an in-house service and include free gift wrapping with each purchase. Professional gift wrappers charge a different rate for different sizes of packages, which can run as low as $5.
Charitable Donations. Making donations to charity in lieu of buying and receiving gifts can make you feel good, and it teaches your children the joy of giving while helping those less fortunate. Consider
Alternative Gifts International, where $45 feeds an American family of five for a week;Heifer International, which provides domestic animals, such as cows, sheep, goats, and chickens to poor families around the world; or Kiva, which makes micro-loans to third world entrepreneurs.
If your holiday includes children, involve them in the gifting process so they can learn how much better it feels to give than to receive. Take them shopping to buy inexpensive Christmas gifts that they can wrap themselves. Let them print their names on the gift cards and pass out the presents they’ve purchased and wrapped.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Free Family Movie Night
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 10:59 AM
Come enjoy a free showing of Elf, the hilarious 2003 Christmas classic. On Wednesday, December 17, at 7pm, join us for the movie, along with free snacks and holiday beverages! On screen you can enjoy the star-studded cast of Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart, James Caan, and more, and in the theater you can make new friends and share the holiday cheer with other East End families.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Make Your Own Salt Scrub
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 10:33 AM
We love making our own gifts for the holidays. This is the perfect gift for the loved one that needs a little pampering. Did you know you can make your own salt scrub. The recipe is very easy. Also, the salt scrub in a great packaging makes a very creative gift. You can learn more at The Kitchn.
Which Salt to Use?
For this particular scrub, I used coarse sea salt. Sea salt is simply just evaporated seawater, which means it's not processed and doesn't contain any additives. Sea salt exfoliates by sloughing off dead skin cells, allowing smoother (and healthier!) skin cells to take their place.
If you have particularly sensitive skin, you can sub brown sugar for the salt. Brown sugar is a soft and gentle exfoliant, which makes it a milder alternative to the coarse sea salt.
Which Oil to Use?
Since there are about 101 uses for coconut oil, I always have some of this miracle-in-a-jar on hand. Coconut oil is deeply moisturizing, as it contains medium-chain fatty acids, which provide hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. As a bonus, coconut oil quickly absorbs into skin, so it won't leave your hands with a greasy residue.
If your pantry isn't stocked with coconut oil, olive oil also works as a great natural moisturizer!
Which Essential Oil to Use?
I chose grapefruit essential oil for this scrub simply because it's my favorite. Grapefruit essential oil brings a fresh, citrusy note to the scrub and leaves my skin feeling energized and bright. It also has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which are bound to come in handy during the winter months. Lemon or orange essential oils would also do the trick.
If you're looking for something more calming, go with lavender, bergamot, or chamomile essential oils.
Grab your supplies: You'll need 1 cup coarse sea salt, 1/2 cup liquid coconut oil, 5 to 7 drops of grapefruit essential oil, and a 10-ounce glass container.
How To Make Sea Salt Hand Scrub
What You Need
Supplies
1 cup coarse sea salt
1/2 cup liquid coconut oil
5 to 7 drops grapefruit essential oil
Equipment
Dry measuring cups
10-ounce glass container (I used a Weck canning jar)
Fork
Instructions
Grab your supplies. You'll need 1 cup coarse sea salt, 1/2 cup liquid coconut oil, 5 to 7 drops of grapefruit essential oil, and a 10-ounce glass container.
Add the salt. Pour 1 cup of salt into the empty glass container.
Add the oil. Pour 1/2 cup of coconut oil over the salt.
Add essential oil. Add 5 to 7 drops of grapefruit essential oil to mixture.
Stir the mixture. Stir all ingredients until well combined.
Seal and gift. Seal the jar and affix a label or gift tag to the top.
Recipe Notes
Use scrub sparingly — about once or twice a week — by spooning a small amount into your hands, gently rubbing it in, rinsing it off with warm water, and drying your hands thoroughly.
I tried (and failed) to wrap both ribbon and twine around this jar. (It was so slippery!) To save your sanity, just affix a label, tag, or bow to the top of the jar.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Make Your Apartment A Home
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 10:35 AM
Does your apartment feel like your home yet? We have four great tips to help you get that homey feeling that you are looking for. Lighting, artowrk, and a few other things will help you achieve your goals. Read this blog and get excited about coming home! You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.
The Right Lighting: Lighting is one of the quickest ways to change the feeling of a room. If you are only using your overhead lights, you are missing an important part of the equation. By having different levels and placement, you can create an atmosphere that's comfortable and cozy for guests to relax in.
Well-Chosen Artwork: What you have on the wall should reflect who you are, what you like, and what makes you happy every day. The artist or the source is less important than how it makes you feel. Plus, artwork adds a different layer to your walls — color and interest. Don't forget that non-traditional things can be stand in for art as well. When framed and/or put in a place of honor, an instrument, postage stamps, or shoes also show your personality.
Fill It With People: The most important thing in the home are the memories you create while living there. If you work at all hours of the night, and only return home to sleep, then those warm fuzzy feelings about your abode are few and far between. Similarly, open your doors to others and invite them to share your space.
Personalized Details: All of us have lived in boring, blank boxes at some point — whether it’s a dorm room, or a standard builder-grade home, that aren’t perfect, might be temporary, or are just we were are at that moment in our lives. Even with standard and predictable finishes, it’s easy to tweak your space enough to make it reflect your personal taste. If you are renting, stick to swapping out hardware or painting furniture. These needn’t be large massive changes, but small tweaks and choices that make you smile and feel good about where you are.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Veteran's Day Facts
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 11:03 AM
Fun Fact #1:
Veterans Day was once known as Armistice Day. The term comes from an armistice between Germany and the Allied Nations on November 11, 1918 (Also known the armistice ending on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month). World War I actually ended on June 28, 1919, during the Treaty of Versailles. The first Armistice Day was acknowledged on November 11, 1919.
Fun Fact #2:
November 11 is both a State and Federal Holiday. (And yes, we’re still open.)
Fun Fact #3:
The original idea behind the celebrations for this holiday was parades and public meetings and also a brief suspension of businesses at 11:00 AM. This is true to this day as a number of parades are held across America as well as speeches are given.
Fun Fact #4:
On June 1, 1954, Armistice Day had its named changed to Veterans Day. This was due to a change in an act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, which made the 11th of November a legal holiday, known as “Armistice Day”. The primary purpose was to honor the veterans of World War I, but in World War II, there was a great immobilization of Veterans, thus changing its name of “Armistice” to “Veterans”.
Fun Fact #5:
Disney made films for during World War II, for each branch of the United States government.
Fun Fact #6:
Approximately 90% of Disney employees worked in the making of propaganda and training videos during World War II.
Fun Fact #7:
Today, there exists about 1.6 million female veterans.
Fun Fact #8:
Between 1971 and 1977, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday in October. It was changed back to its original date, on November 11, 1978 due to a General R. Ford’s signing of Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479).
Fun Fact #9:
Arlington National Cemetery has ceremony on Veterans Day every year to honor those who died during times of war. The ceremonies are held around the Tomb of the Unknowns and at 11:00 AM, on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes “Present Arms” at the tomb.
Fun Fact #10:
Veterans Day falls on the same day as Remembrance Day and Armistice Day in other countries.
Fun Fact #11:
There is not supposed to be an apostrophe in Veterans Day. Still some spell it Veteran’s Day or Veterans’ Day.
Fun Fact #12:
Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran came up with the idea to honor all veterans on November 11, not just the ones who died in World War I.
Fun Fact #13:
On November 11, 1921, an American soldier was buried at the national cemetery in Arlington. His identity was unknown (and his grave site is what we know as today as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier). Every year on November 11, the president or a high-ranking member of the government lays a wreath on his grave.
Fun Fact #14:
In a 2009 report, there were estimated to be 21.9 million veterans.
Fun Fact #15:
The median income for veterans in 2009 was approximately $35,000 a year.
Fun Fact #16:
Many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. Memorial Day is primarily remembered for those died during their service to our country, particularly ones who died as a result of battle. Veterans Day is to acknowledge primarily all those served in the military, either during wartime or peacetime.
Fun Fact #17:
Some schools close on Veterans Day and some stay open. There is no legal requirement for a school to close or to stay open, as individual schools districts or states are free to establish their own policies.
Fun Fact #18:
The word veteran comes from the nomenclature of the old English language, meaning old, experienced soldier.
Fun Fact #19:
The first use of the word, veteran came to use in 1789, in the English language when referring a former member of the armed forces or an ex-serviceman. The extended meaning of the word goes back to someone who has served a longtime in any position.
Fun Fact #20:
California has more U.S. military veterans than any other state.
I hoped you enjoyed these fun facts about Veterans Day and for all those veterans out there, living or dead, we proudly support you.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
The Perfect Pie Crust
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 9:23 AM
The holiday season is quickly approaching. What do you like to make for those family dinners at the end of the year. We have provided you some tips on how to make the perfect pie crust. This crust will be delicious and perfect for your favorite pie. You can learn more at The Kitchn.
1. Blind Bake
The most common way to ward off a soggy pie crust is by a process called blind baking. Blind baking means you pre-bake the crust (sometimes covered with parchment or foil and weighed down with pie weights to prevent the crust from bubbling up) so that it sets and crisps up before you add any wet filling.
You can fully blind bake a pie until it's completely cooked, which you have to do when adding a cooked filling like custard or mousse, or you can partially bake the crust before adding the filling and finishing the baking. In either case, blind baking goes a long way in keeping everything nice and crisp!
2. Brush With Egg
Another way to prevent a soggy crust is to basically seal the surface of it to make a barrier between the crust and the filling. Brushing the surface of the unbaked crust with beaten egg or egg white mixed with water before adding the filling means that as it bakes, the proteins in the egg will form a moisture barrier over the crust and provide a layer of protection.
3. Brush With Chocolate
Along the same vein as brushing unbaked crust with egg to make a moisture barrier is the tasty method of brushing blind-baked crust with chocolate to make things even crispier. Let your fully blind-baked crust cool completely, then brush with melted chocolate and let that set before adding your filling. Not only do you end up with a super-crisp crust, but you get a sweet bonus layer of chocolate too!
4. Bake on a Hot Baking Sheet
Pie crust gets light, flaky and crisp when the heat of the oven melts the little nubs of fat inside the crust quickly and so that they form steam that puffs the crust up. You want that process to happen quickly so that the crust sets before the filling has much of a chance to seep in and make things soggy. Place a baking sheet in the oven as it heats, then place your pie dish directly on that hot baking sheet — this little extra boost of heat will do wonders in terms of getting the crust to cook and set quickly.
5. Keep Moisture Out
One of the easiest ways to prevent a soggy pie crust is to keep the moisture out in the first place. Toss your fruit with sugar, let it sit for awhile so the juices start to come out, then strain out those juices. You can discard those juices or boil them down into a syrup that gets tossed back in with the fruit before baking.
And if you're doing a double-crust fruit pie, don't forget to cut a little circle in the middle or slits in the top crust — it's important to create a vent where steam from the filling has a chance to escape instead of settling into the crust.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Happy Halloween!
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 10:09 AM
Happy Halloween!
Halloween Fun Facts:
Halloween was brought to North America by immigrants from Europe who would celebrate the harvest around a bonfire, share ghost stories, sing, dance and tell fortunes. Learn more here.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The New Additions to the Opera Season
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 10:41 AM
The Pittsburgh Opera is proving to our city that high caliber culture doesn’t always have to come with high ticket prices.
“As part of our ongoing mission to enrich Pittsburgh and the tri-state area, Pittsburgh Opera strives to make opera intellectually and financially accessible to a diverse audience, offering both high quality opera productions and several free community events throughout the season.”
In September of 2008, they moved their home to Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District into the building that was built as George Westinghouse’s original air brake factory in 1869. We caught a Brown Bag Concert Series performance last season and were lucky enough to get a personal tour of the massive facility thanks to Allison Ruppert, Marketing and Community Relations Manager at the Pittsburgh Opera. At 45,000 square feet, the building still manages to create an inviting sense of warmth and coziness, which is likely due to the pronounced “green” atmosphere. They are currently seeking LEED certification, and that should give us all yet one more reason to think that The Pittsburgh Opera rocks!
This is perhaps one of the best culture deals in the city, so do yourself a favor and check out some of these performances. You just can’t ask for a better ticket price!
Brown Bag Concert Series – FREE
In the George R. White Opera Studio at Pittsburgh Opera’s headquarters in the Strip District, friends, families and Pittsburghers of all ages are invited to enjoy intimate concerts of some of opera’s most popular arias as well as a mix of Broadway, musical theater and other surprises. These concerts are a wonderful opportunity for an informal introduction to opera. Guests can even meet the performers after the show!
In the George R. White Opera Studio at Pittsburgh Opera’s headquarters in the Strip District, friends, families and Pittsburghers of all ages are invited to enjoy intimate concerts of some of opera’s most popular arias as well as a mix of Broadway, musical theater and other surprises. These concerts are a wonderful opportunity for an informal introduction to opera. Guests can even meet the performers after the show!
Opera Up Close – $5
An in-depth look at the upcoming production, with the artists that make them happen at Pittsburgh Opera’s headquarters in the Strip District, at 2:00 PM on Sundays before the opening of each production.
An in-depth look at the upcoming production, with the artists that make them happen at Pittsburgh Opera’s headquarters in the Strip District, at 2:00 PM on Sundays before the opening of each production.
Art Song Recital Series – $5
In the George R. White Opera Studio at Pittsburgh Opera, Art Song Recitals are high-level, one-hour performances of art song literature by the Resident Artists of Pittsburgh Opera. These recitals are free and open to the public. The Pittsburgh Opera Guilds from Sewickley, Fox Chapel, South Hills and the City serve as reception hosts at these events.
Here is their full listing of FREE performances for the 2014-15 season.
In the George R. White Opera Studio at Pittsburgh Opera, Art Song Recitals are high-level, one-hour performances of art song literature by the Resident Artists of Pittsburgh Opera. These recitals are free and open to the public. The Pittsburgh Opera Guilds from Sewickley, Fox Chapel, South Hills and the City serve as reception hosts at these events.
Here is their full listing of FREE performances for the 2014-15 season.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Healthy Eating on a Budget
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 9:48 AM
Eating healthy can rack up the grocery bills. However, there are ways to eat healthy, while sticking to a budget. Sales, seasonal foods, and freezing are three ways to save money on your favorite healthy dishes. You can learn more at The Kitchn.
1. Buy fresh produce when it's in season and freeze it.
Fresh produce is always great, but the cost can add up fast. Stick with buying what's currently in season, and consider stocking up when you find a good deal.
In the summer I will buy three or four dozen ears of corn when it is two ears for a dollar (or less). You can cut it from the ear and freeze it in bags, or freeze it whole (though the former takes up less freezer space). Then you have (really great tasting) corn for cheap for several months. Same goes with other vegetables. - doilyglove
2. Look for sales and plan meals accordingly.
If your local grocery store offers a savings card be sure to sign up, and check the weekly circular to see what's on sale. Instead of shopping for groceries based on your weekly meal plan, consider planning your meals around what's on sale.
If the store you usually shop at has a weekly circular my best piece of advice is to check it every week and plan your meals around what's on sale. This has saved me so much money lately. It can also force you to get creative and maybe try some items or dishes you've never had. - kristen44
If you do not like prep I strongly recommend watching for sales on frozen vegetables. Here we sometimes get 10 for $10 sales on frozen vegetables, so I always stock up on onions, bell peppers, carrots, and peas. Makes it super easy to make something healthy. - Liz@LamentingLizzie
3. Try less expensive cuts of meat.
You can still enjoy meat, even when you're on a tight budget. Look for less expensive cuts of meat, like chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, and trydifferent cooking methods, like the slow cooker, to make tougher cuts of meat tender and juicy.
If you're a meat-eater, learn to love cheaper cuts! Bone-in, skin-on, tougher cuts of red meat, and organ meats are all dirt-cheap (and more nutritious and flavourful!) compared to, say, boneless skinless chicken breasts, even if you're buying the organic/free-range stuff. Don't be afraid of (good-quality) fat, especially if you're trying to lose weight! - the enchantress
The Crock-pot does an amazing job of taking cheap cuts of meat (pork shoulder, chuck roast, etc) and making them tender and juicy. - Sarah_L.
Look for cheaper cuts such as lamb neck fillets, pork belly and cheeks, shin of beef, whole chickens that will yield enough for leftovers, plus a carcass for soup or congee, chicken livers, gizzard, etc. Perhaps borrow a book from the library that will show you the techniques for bringing out the best from these cuts. - pearmelon
4. Embrace whole grains and beans.
Beans and whole grains, like quinoa, freekeh and brown rice are an inexpensive and tasty way to bulk up meals, and can even be a meal in themselves.
I use black beans to stretch my meat. You can spend $15 and get the ingredients to make chili which will last for one person, 10 meals. I mix (cooked) black beans with ground turkey and make turkey burgers using that. - Christy Belville
Whole grains can really bulk up a meal and make it more filling and they're generally on the cheaper side. Buy a package of wheat berries, whole wheat couscous, cook it up and freeze it in single portions to throw into salads or soups when you need them. The whole grains will also keep you full longer and may help aid in your weight loss efforts. - kristen44
5. Plan and prep meals ahead.
Whether it's veggies for the week, tomorrow's breakfast, lunches or dinners, prepping food in advance is a step in the right direction towards eating healthy. Plus, it's also a good way to make sure you're eating what's in the fridge, to minimize waste.
I spend some time every weekend planning my meals for the week. I don't mind eating leftovers so I plan on eating the same thing several times. I try to at least get my lunches prepped on Sunday so I'm starting the week off right. Then I might make something to eat on Monday night for dinner and eat that several times as well. - sweetautumn
I can cook two meals on Sunday night, package them up in portable containers and be set for lunch and dinner all week — with just one night of cooking. (This only works if you don't mind eating the same thing every day - and I've learned it's important to stick with what you like or outside temptations will be everywhere!!!) But it's great to save time and money! - PropTart
6. Broaden your culinary horizons!
Cuisines, like Mexican and Indian, rely heavily on inexpensive ingredients, like beans and rice.
If you don't like Indian or Mexican food, learn to. From my experience it's the best value to flavor ratio. In both cuisines, rice is a staple, which is cheap. Both are not meat heavy, which is also cheap. Both also allow a lot of ingredients to be used interchangeably. Less waste which equals cheap. -Baxatax
If you like Mexican food, you could do burritos filled with anything you like. Or you can do a tortilla-less version of huevos rancheros that I often make for dinner. Very filling, loads of protein and fiber. - miabica
7. Keep an organized fridge and pantry.
Leftovers are always great, but it totally defeats the purpose if they get lost in the back of the fridge. Label leftovers and keep your fridge organized to help minimize food waste.
Waste of leftovers or frozen food can be minimized by keeping an orderly fridge/freezer and by labeling. I use a strip of masking tape and a Sharpie to identify food and date on the container. Package foods in amounts you will use, such as freezing chicken pieces by twos and hamburger in patties separately wrapped. Keeping a list of items in the fridge also sounds useful but I admit I've never been able to stick with that one. -janmarie
If you freeze stuff, make sure you periodically go through your freezer and eat everything in there. Sometimes I forget this step, but my wallet and my evening hours benefit when I use up all my frozen food! -becster.henrich
8. Repurpose leftovers.
If you don't like eating the same meal over and over, consider repurposing leftovers into an entirely new and delicious meal.
Last night I made a garlicky spinach and white bean soup with leftovers from a rotisserie chicken. It made a really delicious soup that was simply lovely with toasted bread. - vintagejenta
Things that you can make into a sandwich later work well (poached chicken, meatballs, meatloaf, roast beef/pork/chicken). When whole chickens are on sale I buy two and cook them both. The first night is roast chicken and then I can make sandwiches, soup, pot pie, throw some in fried rice...you can really stretch a couple of chickens and make a lot of portable options.
Find the day when you can do some prep cooking and do a roast, then portion it out, make soup etc. to last you the rest of the week. - anotherjen
9. Go to the farmers market at the end of the day.
Depending on where you live, farmers markets may or may not save you money during regular hours. Consider visiting the market at the end of the day, when you could very likely score some great deals.
My best tip: When I was on a *really* limited budget, I would go to the public market/ farmer's market about an hour before they closed.
You can get some very good bargains on produce that way, since the sellers want to unload as much as possible before they close up for the day. (And sometimes, they'll throw in a little extra just to be nice!) - skd80
10. Shop at ethnic markets.
Consider checking out local ethnic markets. Not only are you likely to find a bargain on certain products, you'll also find some really interesting ingredients.
You can buy really varied, interesting, cheap noodles in an Asian market. I never buy rice noodles in a supermarket - they're very overpriced. That goes for just about any condiments/sauces for Asian meals. Go to an Asian grocer and stock up. The produce is usually cheaper too. One of my Asian stores has really fresh fish and meat. Just know the store and ask about it. - MaddyWho
Ethnic supermarkets (chinese, greek, lebanese, etc) are a great source for good value interesting ingredients. - AndersAu
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Stick To Your Grocery Budget
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 10:00 AM
Grocery budgeting is a science, and an art. So much must be balanced: time, preference, income, store availability, seasons, life situations, and more. These are my top 10 tips for creating a grocery budget—and sticking to it.
1. Track what you actually spend for a month.
Before you can make a realistic grocery budget, you have to have a realistic idea of what you usually spend. You might spend more on food (including drinks and eating out) than you realize. Start tracking what you spend for a month. Keep your receipts.
Whether you use a spreadsheet or a Word document, or just paper and pencil, it can be helpful to divide your food expenses into itemized lists. Drinks: coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, juices, mixers. Fresh produce. Frozen meals. Baking items. Meat. The key is to track everything that you consume.
Pro tip: to make this easier when you go back through your receipts, load your groceries from cart to cashier in itemized groups.
Before you can make a realistic grocery budget, you have to have a realistic idea of what you usually spend. You might spend more on food (including drinks and eating out) than you realize. Start tracking what you spend for a month. Keep your receipts.
Whether you use a spreadsheet or a Word document, or just paper and pencil, it can be helpful to divide your food expenses into itemized lists. Drinks: coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, juices, mixers. Fresh produce. Frozen meals. Baking items. Meat. The key is to track everything that you consume.
Pro tip: to make this easier when you go back through your receipts, load your groceries from cart to cashier in itemized groups.
2. Budget per month, but plan per week.
I track my income monthly, so I also track grocery bills monthly. Some people track weekly; it's a personal preference. I've found it's easier to stick to a monthly grocery bill, as I often go for two weeks without shopping. On the other hand, it is equally key to plan your meals per week, to avoid eating out or ordering in. I suppose you could plan your meals for an entire month, but for me that's not realistic. Having a rough idea of what we'll be eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner helps me shop accordingly.
I track my income monthly, so I also track grocery bills monthly. Some people track weekly; it's a personal preference. I've found it's easier to stick to a monthly grocery bill, as I often go for two weeks without shopping. On the other hand, it is equally key to plan your meals per week, to avoid eating out or ordering in. I suppose you could plan your meals for an entire month, but for me that's not realistic. Having a rough idea of what we'll be eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner helps me shop accordingly.
3. Name your priorities.
I'm learning to tell myself, "If this, then not that," as I shop for groceries. There are certain items that I prioritize for my wellbeing, such as fresh foods and basic whole foods. Towards the end of a month, I'll nix fringe items before cutting out my priority items, such as that new flavor of tea, juice, optional toppings for meals, and desserts.
→ More on my priorities: 8 Foods to Always Spend Money On
I'm learning to tell myself, "If this, then not that," as I shop for groceries. There are certain items that I prioritize for my wellbeing, such as fresh foods and basic whole foods. Towards the end of a month, I'll nix fringe items before cutting out my priority items, such as that new flavor of tea, juice, optional toppings for meals, and desserts.
→ More on my priorities: 8 Foods to Always Spend Money On
4. Don’t eat out.
Just don't do it. Eating out is the Trojan horse of grocery budgeting. It sneaks into your monthly budget and destroys everything you've worked so hard for. Dramatic, yes, but true. We eat out for special occasions or with friends, but have made it our personal policy to never eat out as a response to laziness. Knowing your priorities and keeping basics, frozen double batches, and quick meals on hand can help with this.
Just don't do it. Eating out is the Trojan horse of grocery budgeting. It sneaks into your monthly budget and destroys everything you've worked so hard for. Dramatic, yes, but true. We eat out for special occasions or with friends, but have made it our personal policy to never eat out as a response to laziness. Knowing your priorities and keeping basics, frozen double batches, and quick meals on hand can help with this.
5. Prize (and plan) variety.
...Or you will eat out, unless you have a willpower of steel. Plan variety into your grocery lists to stay well and keep food enjoyable. Some people can eat ramen for a month in the name of saving money. I can't. However, I'm also the kind of person who finds something they love and wants to eat it endlessly... a habit which always results in me tiring of that food for months afterward. So I try to plan budget-friendly meals that I know I'll enjoy, and rotate those meals throughout several months.
...Or you will eat out, unless you have a willpower of steel. Plan variety into your grocery lists to stay well and keep food enjoyable. Some people can eat ramen for a month in the name of saving money. I can't. However, I'm also the kind of person who finds something they love and wants to eat it endlessly... a habit which always results in me tiring of that food for months afterward. So I try to plan budget-friendly meals that I know I'll enjoy, and rotate those meals throughout several months.
6. Keep a fridge list
Keep a running list on your fridge and write down items that you need as soon as or shortly before you run empty. This is a basic tip but it can make all the difference between grocery runs that result in spending sprees or incomplete shopping.
Keep a running list on your fridge and write down items that you need as soon as or shortly before you run empty. This is a basic tip but it can make all the difference between grocery runs that result in spending sprees or incomplete shopping.
7. Learn to love your leftovers.
They are your friends. They will feed you while protecting your budget. Invest in a good set of glass food storage containers—your food will last longer with better flavor. Plan meals that make good leftovers, and if you're feeling ambitious, make double or triple batches and freeze.
They are your friends. They will feed you while protecting your budget. Invest in a good set of glass food storage containers—your food will last longer with better flavor. Plan meals that make good leftovers, and if you're feeling ambitious, make double or triple batches and freeze.
8. Don’t be duped by coupons.
Coupons are great — if they are for items that you need and from brands that you like. Too often, coupons trick customers into buying unnecessary items "because it's a good deal." Furthermore, generic versions of many items in the coupon book are even cheaper than the price you'll pay for a discounted name brand item. So if you find a coupon for an item that you usually buy, celebrate and purchase. Otherwise, steer clear and seek out cheaper options.
Coupons are great — if they are for items that you need and from brands that you like. Too often, coupons trick customers into buying unnecessary items "because it's a good deal." Furthermore, generic versions of many items in the coupon book are even cheaper than the price you'll pay for a discounted name brand item. So if you find a coupon for an item that you usually buy, celebrate and purchase. Otherwise, steer clear and seek out cheaper options.
9. Stock when there’s a sale, but don’t overstock.
Sales are the cousin of coupons: they can often dupe customers into buying more because it's "a great deal," not because they need that item or can even use that quantity. On items that keep well, stock up with sales.
But a common mistake is to buy a few extra items of each product, thinking that you're saving time and money by not having to return later to the store. I did this for years before I realized I was still shopping at my usual rate, buying a few extras of this and that each time, which was inflating my grocery bills. Unless you live hours from a grocery store, this sort of pseudo-bulk shopping isn't helpful.
Sales are the cousin of coupons: they can often dupe customers into buying more because it's "a great deal," not because they need that item or can even use that quantity. On items that keep well, stock up with sales.
But a common mistake is to buy a few extra items of each product, thinking that you're saving time and money by not having to return later to the store. I did this for years before I realized I was still shopping at my usual rate, buying a few extras of this and that each time, which was inflating my grocery bills. Unless you live hours from a grocery store, this sort of pseudo-bulk shopping isn't helpful.
10. Take the time to comparison shop.
The suggestion of comparison shopping is inevitably met with a chorus of voices protesting the efficiency of "driving all over" just to find cheaper items. And I would have to agree. I used to shop at a closer grocery that was more expensive, than transitioned to a larger, cheaper store much further away, then began shopping at three different stores, with a separate list for each. Now I'm back to shopping at the closer store that's a bit pricier. Time and driving costs must always be factored into budgeting. There are still a few items that I will buy once a month at the larger, more distant store, but I don't have the time to go to several stores on each grocery run.
However, I also comparison shop within stores: some items are cheaper in the international aisle, or the yogurt in the organics aisle, for example, might be on sale when my usual yogurt selection isn't. So pick the stores that are most efficient for your shopping, familiarize yourself with your options, and make a plan.
The suggestion of comparison shopping is inevitably met with a chorus of voices protesting the efficiency of "driving all over" just to find cheaper items. And I would have to agree. I used to shop at a closer grocery that was more expensive, than transitioned to a larger, cheaper store much further away, then began shopping at three different stores, with a separate list for each. Now I'm back to shopping at the closer store that's a bit pricier. Time and driving costs must always be factored into budgeting. There are still a few items that I will buy once a month at the larger, more distant store, but I don't have the time to go to several stores on each grocery run.
However, I also comparison shop within stores: some items are cheaper in the international aisle, or the yogurt in the organics aisle, for example, might be on sale when my usual yogurt selection isn't. So pick the stores that are most efficient for your shopping, familiarize yourself with your options, and make a plan.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Buctober!
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 10:56 AM
The Pirates are in the Wildcard Playoff game starting tomorrow! It is time for buctober in Pittsburgh. Will you be watching? Here are some game highlights for tomorrow.
A look at the National League wild-card playoff between the San Francisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates:
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Schedule: Wednesday, at Pittsburgh, 8:07 p.m. EDT (ESPN).
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Season Series: Pirates won 4-2.
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Projected Lineups:
Giants: CF Gregor Blanco (.260, 5 HRs, 38 RBIs), 2B Joe Panik (.305, 1, 18), C Buster Posey (.311, 22, 89), 3B Pablo Sandoval (.279, 16, 73), RF Hunter Pence (.277, 20, 74), 1B Brandon Belt (.243, 12, 27), LF Travis Ishikawa (.252, 3, 18 with Pirates and Giants), SS Brandon Crawford (.246, 10, 69).
Pirates: 3B Josh Harrison (.315, 13, 52, 38 doubles), RF Travis Snider (.264, 13, 38), CF Andrew McCutchen (.314, 25, 83, 38 doubles, 84 walks), 2B Neil Walker (.271, 23, 76), C Russell Martin (.290, 11, 67), LF Starling Marte (.291, 13, 56, 30 SBs), 1B Gaby Sanchez (.229, 7, 33) or Ike Davis (.233, 11, 51 with Mets and Pirates), SS Jordy Mercer (.255, 12, 55).
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Starting Pitchers:
Giants: LH Madison Bumgarner (18-10, 2.98 ERA, 219 Ks).
Pirates: RH Edinson Volquez (13-7, 3.04 ERA).
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Relievers:
Giants: RH Santiago Casilla (3-3, 1.70, 19/23 saves), RH Sergio Romo (6-4, 3.72, 23/28 saves), LH Jeremy Affeldt (4-2, 2.28), LH Javier Lopez (1-1, 3.11), RH Jean Machi (7-1, 2.58, 2 saves), RH Tim Lincecum (12-9, 4.74, 1 save), RH George Kontos (4-0, 2.78).
Pirates: RH Mark Melancon (3-5, 1.90, 33/37 saves), LH Tony Watson (10-2, 1.63 in 78 games), RH Jared Hughes (7-5, 1.96 in 63 games), LH Justin Wilson (3-4, 4.20), RH John Axford (2-4, 3.95 in 62 games with Indians and Pirates), RH John Holdzkom (1-0, 2.00 in 9 games), RH Jeanmar Gomez (2-2, 3.19 in 44 games).
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Matchups:
These teams met once before in the postseason, with the Pirates winning the 1971 NLCS 3-1 on the way to a World Series title. ... The franchises are linked by home run king Barry Bonds. They are the only two teams he played for. ... Pirates won two of three at home against Giants in May and two of three in San Francisco in July. Harrison hit a two-run homer in a 5-0 win over Bumgarner on July 28. Harrison is 4 for 5 in his career vs. Bumgarner and hit three HRs vs. the Giants this season. ... Bumgarner is 1-3 with a 3.24 ERA in four starts vs. the Pirates, with the Giants scoring just one run in those games. ... Bumgarner was tied for the major league lead with 11 road wins this season and had a 2.22 ERA in 18 road starts. ... Ishikawa was the Pirates' opening day starter at 1B before being designated for assignment on April 19. ... Pence has the most experience hitting off Volquez, batting .194 with 3 HRs and 16 Ks in 36 ABs. ... Crawford is 3 for 20 with 7 Ks. ... Lopez has allowed two HRs vs left-handed hitters in past five seasons, with one coming against Alvarez in 2012.
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Big Picture:
Giants: After winning the World Series in 2010 and 2012, the Giants (88-74) are hoping to keep up their every-other-year pattern. San Francisco missed the playoffs after each of those championships but is back this season as the second NL wild-card team. ... After relying on stellar pitching during those two title runs, the Giants are more balanced this year, finishing fifth in the NL in runs and seventh in ERA. ... The Giants went 65-18 when scoring first and 22-56 when allowing the first run. ... Workhorse RHP Matt Cain made just 15 starts because of a season-ending elbow injury, and two-time Cy Young Award winner Lincecum was removed from the rotation. ... Bumgarner is 3-2 with a 3.79 ERA in seven postseason appearances. He threw seven shutout innings in a World Series win over Detroit in 2012. ... Panik is batting .345 since Aug. 4 and provided a big spark with his midseason call-up. ... Posey batted .393 in September but was slowed during the final week of the season with a bad back. ... The Giants will likely be without two of their starting outfielders. CF Angel Pagan is out for the season with a back injury, and LF Michael Morse is doubtful with a strained oblique. Morse could be available as a pinch hitter.
Pirates: McCutchen, the reigning NL MVP, put together another stellar season, but the Pirates (88-74) took off once Harrison started playing regularly. They went 77-66 with the former utility player in the lineup. He finished second to Justin Morneau in the NL batting race. Harrison, who made the All-Star team, tied McCutchen with a team-high 38 doubles. ... Volquez signed a $5 million, one-year contract to fill out the back of the rotation and ended up leading the Pirates in starts (32). He went 5-0 with a 1.64 ERA in his final 11 starts. ... Volquez did not face San Francisco this year. He is 2-2 with a 5.72 ERA in 11 career starts against the Giants. ... The Pirates outscored the Giants 29-23 during the season series. ... Pittsburgh's team OBP of .330 was third in MLB and second in the NL behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. ... Watson and Melancon became a potent 1-2 punch after the Pirates traded struggling closer Jason Grilli to the Angels. Melancon was 2-3 with a 1.23 ERA in 28 games after the All-Star break. ... Pittsburgh set an attendance record with more than 2.3 million fans at PNC Park. The Pirates went 51-30 at home, tying St. Louis for the best home record in the NL. ... Martin put together his finest offensive season since 2007. His go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning against Milwaukee on Sept. 19 helped the Pirates win a key series. He was even better defensively, throwing out 37 would-be base stealers, most in the majors.
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Watch For:
— Bumgarner's Bat. Bumgarner is far from an automatic out at the plate. He batted .258 with four homers, 15 RBIs and a .470 slugging percentage this season. The last pitcher to have more RBIs in a season was Mike Hampton with 16 in 2001 for Colorado.
— Backing It Up. The Pirates proved they were more than a one-year wonder, following up last year's 94-win season by going 88-74 even though starting pitchers Francisco Liriano, Gerrit Cole and Charlie Morton made multiple trips to the disabled list. They made up for their pitching issues at the plate, hitting .259 and scoring 682 runs, the fourth-highest total in the NL.
— Elimination Experts. The Giants are well-tested in win-or-go-home games, having won six of them on the way to the title in 2012. Many of the players who overcame a 2-0 series deficit in the division series to Cincinnati and a 3-1 deficit in the NLCS to St. Louis are still in San Francisco and won't be overwhelmed by the pressure.
— Sterling Starling. Pittsburgh envisioned Marte as its leadoff man for the rest of the decade, but he struggled early on. He batted .254 in 31 games leading off before being moved down in the order, where he flourished. Marte improved as the season wore on, hitting .344 in August and .364 in September. His go-ahead single against Atlanta last week clinched a playoff spot for the Pirates, a year to the day after his home run against the Chicago Cubs did the same.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
12 Great Housewarming Gifts
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 10:32 AM
When your friends or family members move into a new home, you want to celebrate with them. And while you can go the practical route (cleaning supplies or pantry staples they might have tossed are always appreciated), it is also nice to warm their home with a splurge that they wouldn't buy for themselves.
Need some ideas? Here are 12 good-for-everyone gifts that will add a touch of homey luxury to their new kitchen.
Geo Bottle Stoppers, $49 from West Elm: We're always of the opinion that going glam is perfect for bar tools, and these highly giftable bottle stoppers do not disappoint.
10- x 14-inch Cheese Board, $33 from Brooklyn Slate: These simple (and affordable) slate boards are the perfect addition to any kitchen. Pair them with your favorite cheese for a well-cultured present.
All-in-One Kitchen Tool Set, $40 from MoMA Store: Ideal for someone with a small kitchen, this colorful set includes everything from an egg masher to a citrus juicer, and it takes up barely any cabinet space.
Acacia Wood Cake Stand, $49 from Kaufman Mercantile: A cake stand makes a great gift because it's more versatile than you might expect. When not holding a baked confection, it can stand is a holder for olive oils and seasonings by the stove or as a place to display specialty liqueurs and bitters on a bar.
Short Stack Editions Complete Set, $105 from Short Stack Editions: The complete set of the mini, single-ingredient cookbooks from Short Stack Editions would make a very generous gift. You can also choose your favorite ones a la carte.
Indigo Pomegranate Print, $45 from Etsy: Adding artwork is one of the things that really pulls a kitchen together. This colorful print from artist, Anek, is a stunning addition to any space. She also has several other produce prints if pomegranates aren't your thing.
Sky Map Napkins, $58 from Anthropologie: Cloth napkins and candles on the dining table are two of the things that really pull together a dinner party. Splurge on these constellation napkins for friends who love to entertain.
Artisan Chocolate Bars, $44 from Mast Brothers: It's hard to go wrong with chocolate, and this sampler from the Brooklyn-based company looks just as good as it tastes without even having to wrap it up.
Origami Wine Tote, $25 from MoMA Store: Of course you'll score bonus points if you bring along a bottle of your favorite vintage to go with this wine tote.
Enamel Bake Set, $100 from Blue Ribbon General Store: Another splurge, this bake set is perfect for someone who is ready to really upgrade their kitchen, and get rid of those flimsy baking pans.
Wooden Cheese Serving Set, $28 from Terrain: We defy you to find a set of cheese knives (with a holder!) as beautiful as these carved wood ones for less than this. Your friends will only think you've spent a fortune.
Pitcher, $72 from Heath Ceramics: And for the person who has everything? A simple and elegant pitcher from California favorite Heath Ceramics. The housewarming brunch mimosas will taste better when being poured from one of these.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Fall Recipe to Try
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 9:49 AM
What are you making for dinner this week? Do you need a side that will satisfy everyone's sweet tooth? This classic Baked Apple Dumpling recipe may be perfect for you. This recipe is a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it may be perfect for any fall occasion. You can learn more at The Kitchn.
Up until a few days ago, Cracker Barrel's apple dumplings were all I knew. Spicy-sweet apple chunks are tucked into a mini gratin dish, snuggled under a buttery pie crust, and sprinkled with a crunchy pecan streusel. Once baked, they're drenched in a rich and creamy caramel syrup and topped with heaping scoops of vanilla bean ice cream on their way out to the table. Talk about guilding the lily!
You might imagine my surprise when a Google search revealed no recipes that even came close to the Cracker Barrel apple dumplings of my past. According to the internet (and some reputable cookbooks) a true apple dumpling is a whole apple that is peeled and cored, sprinkled with butter and cinnamon sugar, and swaddled beneath a flaky pastry crust. A similar concept as Cracker Barrel's, but different. Still sounds pretty tasty to me.
Feeling up to the challenge, I decided to play with the traditional version since it is considered the "classic." (Really, I have so many apples squirreled away right now it wouldn't be a big deal to make both. As long as someone helped me eat them!) There's a decent amount of recipes available for apple dumplings around the web, all varying in some small degree or another. The main differences seemed to be the crust type, ranging from frozen puff pastry, pie dough, or pâté sucrée.
I ended up trying out a few different versions, one using my favorite butter pie crust from America's Test Kitchen and the one you see below. Both have their pros and cons — the Test Kitchen crust had a great butter flavor and nice cooked texture, but was really difficult to shape when it came time to wrap the apples. The shortening crust you see below on the other hand, lacks the mild buttery flavor of the first crust but came together super quick and proved much sturdier. They're both great, so feel free to use whichever you're most comfortable with.
I really did fall hard for this new-to-me version of apple dumplings. I served a batch as the grand finale at a recent potluck I hosted, to rave moans and groans from the crowd. I can't wait to make them again, although now I need to take a quick trip to Cracker Barrel to get my fix of theirs... Dang!
Do you have an heirloom recipe for apple dumplings you'd like to share? I'd love to hear your version.
Baked Apple Dumplings
Makes 6 dumplings
(Note: I just remade this recipe using a double batch of Anne Willian's pâte brisée, and it was the best of both crust worlds. The egg yolks yielded a very pliable dough, and the butter added the flavor that was missing from the shortening version. I highly recommend you check it out! It may just be my new "go-to" pie crust recipe.)
For the Crust
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
pinch kosher salt
4 1/2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 cup milk (or just enough to make the dough stick together)
For the Filling
Juice from one lemon
6 extra small baking apples (such as Gala)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
For the Caramel Sauce
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup water
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cubed
Pinch of kosher salt
Vanilla ice cream, to serve.
For the dumplings, in a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles small peas. Add milk — 1/4 cup at a time — and stir until a shaggy ball of dough just begins to form. Turn out the dough onto a well-floured surface and roll into a large rectangle or square, about 1/8-inch thick.
What are you making for dinner this week? Do you need a side that will satisfy everyone's sweet tooth? This classic Baked Apple Dumpling recipe may be perfect for you. This recipe is a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it may be perfect for any fall occasion. You can learn more at The Kitchn.
Up until a few days ago, Cracker Barrel's apple dumplings were all I knew. Spicy-sweet apple chunks are tucked into a mini gratin dish, snuggled under a buttery pie crust, and sprinkled with a crunchy pecan streusel. Once baked, they're drenched in a rich and creamy caramel syrup and topped with heaping scoops of vanilla bean ice cream on their way out to the table. Talk about guilding the lily!
You might imagine my surprise when a Google search revealed no recipes that even came close to the Cracker Barrel apple dumplings of my past. According to the internet (and some reputable cookbooks) a true apple dumpling is a whole apple that is peeled and cored, sprinkled with butter and cinnamon sugar, and swaddled beneath a flaky pastry crust. A similar concept as Cracker Barrel's, but different. Still sounds pretty tasty to me.
Feeling up to the challenge, I decided to play with the traditional version since it is considered the "classic." (Really, I have so many apples squirreled away right now it wouldn't be a big deal to make both. As long as someone helped me eat them!) There's a decent amount of recipes available for apple dumplings around the web, all varying in some small degree or another. The main differences seemed to be the crust type, ranging from frozen puff pastry, pie dough, or pâté sucrée.
I ended up trying out a few different versions, one using my favorite butter pie crust from America's Test Kitchen and the one you see below. Both have their pros and cons — the Test Kitchen crust had a great butter flavor and nice cooked texture, but was really difficult to shape when it came time to wrap the apples. The shortening crust you see below on the other hand, lacks the mild buttery flavor of the first crust but came together super quick and proved much sturdier. They're both great, so feel free to use whichever you're most comfortable with.
I really did fall hard for this new-to-me version of apple dumplings. I served a batch as the grand finale at a recent potluck I hosted, to rave moans and groans from the crowd. I can't wait to make them again, although now I need to take a quick trip to Cracker Barrel to get my fix of theirs... Dang!
Do you have an heirloom recipe for apple dumplings you'd like to share? I'd love to hear your version.
Baked Apple Dumplings
Makes 6 dumplings
(Note: I just remade this recipe using a double batch of Anne Willian's pâte brisée, and it was the best of both crust worlds. The egg yolks yielded a very pliable dough, and the butter added the flavor that was missing from the shortening version. I highly recommend you check it out! It may just be my new "go-to" pie crust recipe.)
For the Crust
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
pinch kosher salt
4 1/2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 cup milk (or just enough to make the dough stick together)
For the Filling
Juice from one lemon
6 extra small baking apples (such as Gala)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
For the Caramel Sauce
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup water
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cubed
Pinch of kosher salt
Vanilla ice cream, to serve.
For the dumplings, in a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles small peas. Add milk — 1/4 cup at a time — and stir until a shaggy ball of dough just begins to form. Turn out the dough onto a well-floured surface and roll into a large rectangle or square, about 1/8-inch thick.
Cut a piece of parchment paper into a 6-inch square. Using the parchment paper as a guide, cut out 6 total squares from the dough, gathering scraps and re-rolling as needed. Layer the dough on pieces of parchment paper and refrigerate while preparing the apples.
Preheat the oven to 450°.
Add the lemon juice to a bowl of ice water. If necessary, slice off the bottom of each apple so it sits level on the counter. Peel and core each apple and place in the lemon water to prevent browning.
To make the filling, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle the bottom of a square of dough with sugar mixture. Place an apple in the center of dough. Put one pat of butter in the core of the apple and sprinkle additional sugar mixture inside. Bring the four corners of dough up around the apple, pinching the edges to seal and folding over excess if necessary. Continue with all of the apples.
Arrange the apple dumplings in a large cast iron skillet, leaving about 1-inch of space between each apple. Bake until the crust begins to turn golden brown, about 20 - 25 minutes. Meanwhile make the caramel sauce. Remove the par-baked dumplings from the oven and pour the caramel over top and around the apples.
Reduce oven to 350°. Continue to bake the dumplings until the sauce is thick and bubbly and the apples are very tender when pierced, about 35-40 minutes. Remove fromedsfadfathe oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before eating. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
To make the caramel sauce, combine the brown sugar, water, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Continue to boil for 2 -3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and pour over dumplings before returning to the oven.Cut a piece of parchment paper into a 6-inch square. Using the parchment paper as a guide, cut out 6 total squares from the dough, gathering scraps and re-rolling as needed. Layer the dough on pieces of parchment paper and refrigerate while preparing the apples.
Preheat the oven to 450°.
Add the lemon juice to a bowl of ice water. If necessary, slice off the bottom of each apple so it sits level on the counter. Peel and core each apple and place in the lemon water to prevent browning.
To make the filling, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle the bottom of a square of dough with sugar mixture. Place an apple in the center of dough. Put one pat of butter in the core of the apple and sprinkle additional sugar mixture inside. Bring the four corners of dough up around the apple, pinching the edges to seal and folding over excess if necessary. Continue with all of the apples.
Arrange the apple dumplings in a large cast iron skillet, leaving about 1-inch of space between each apple. Bake until the crust begins to turn golden brown, about 20 - 25 minutes. Meanwhile make the caramel sauce. Remove the par-baked dumplings from the oven and pour the caramel over top and around the apples.
Reduce oven to 350°. Continue to bake the dumplings until the sauce is thick and bubbly and the apples are very tender when pierced, about 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before eating. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
To make the caramel sauce, combine the brown sugar, water, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Continue to boil for 2 -3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and pour over dumplings before returning to the oven.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Dormont Wine Festival
Posted by Lincoln Pointe Apartments on 8:43 AM
1801 Dormont Ave.,Pittsburgh, PA 15216 GET DIRECTIONS
The Dormont Main Street each year holds their annual "A Taste of Dormont" Wine Festival. Featuring Delicious Food & Musical Entertainment! SIP Wines & Beer from Pennsylvania Wineries & Breweries. Join us for an evening of REDS, WHITES & BLUES! For more information please visit our website at: www.DormontMainStreet.org .
The event funds economic restructuring & keeping America clean programs.
Enjoy live music, food and fine wines.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2014
5pm until 9:30 pm
THOMAS LlOYD RECREATION CENTER - UNDER THE DORMONT MAIN STREET TENT (Dormont Pool Parking Lot)
The event funds economic restructuring & keeping America clean programs.
Enjoy live music, food and fine wines.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2014
5pm until 9:30 pm
THOMAS LlOYD RECREATION CENTER - UNDER THE DORMONT MAIN STREET TENT (Dormont Pool Parking Lot)