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Book Buzz: Enthralling Memoirs

December 27, 2012 By

Avid memoir-readers agree, sometimes the most surprising stories are the ones that are true! If you're looking to immerse yourself in a moving book, you should check out one of these titles. They're all sure to delight, inspire, and instruct.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Didion's harrowing recollection of grief chronicles the year following her husband's sudden death from a heart attack. Written in stark, beautiful prose, Didion won a Pulitzer Prize for this unflinching portrait of her own bereavement.

Naked by David Sedaris
David Sedaris's collection of autobiographical essays is a hilarious. His comical, yet loving look at various events of his life is told in a voice unlike any other. Sedaris celebrates his own catastrophic detours, inviting his readers to smile and laugh at his past misadventures.

Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
For two years in Iran, Azar Nafisi brought a group of female students together to read and discuss forbidden classics of Western literature. An extraordinary tale of standing up against censorship and tyranny, Nafisi's memoir is a beautiful story told with passion and courage.

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain's incredible recollections from more than two decades in the culinary world is both funny and shocking. This sometimes gritty, honest book looks at some crazy characters at work in the world of fine dining, Bourdain has a lot of kitchen tales to share, and they're all fascinating.

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What Your Favorite Flowers Symbolize

December 20, 2012 By

Warm weather's here at Travis AFB Homes, and that means the flowers are in bloom, too. We can all agree that flowers are beautiful, smell nice, and make people smile, but did you know that flowers are also full of classical symbolism? Simply stated, over time different flowers have come to mean different things. Below is a short guide to some of the basics.

The rose is most often linked with romance, but different colors of this flower have different meanings. Traditional red roses stand for passion and ardor, whereas yellow blooms have come to mean happiness and friendship, and white roses are symbolic of innocence and youth.

Gerber daisies, a popular spring time blossom, symbolize youth and purity, and are often selected for bouquets for a younger woman.

Stately Orchids symbolize both elegance and sophistication. These refined flowers have another meaning in Asian cultures where they are linked to fertility and multiple children.

Peonies are often a popular choice for weddings, as they have come to stand for togetherness and a happy life. Some believe that their fragrance actually acts as an aphrodisiac.

Did you know that some flowers have negative connotations? Although marigolds are beautiful, they also carry symbolic connotations of grief and jealousy. Why? Nobody really knows for sure, but it's something to keep in mind before you give a friend a potted marigold.

Gardenias are a beautiful blossom to send to somebody you have a secret affinity for — they symbolize a hidden love as well as physical attraction.

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A Look Back: Forgotten Technologies

December 13, 2012 By

With the progress of tech products getting faster and faster, it’s only to be expected that a few technologies fall by the wayside in the process. Whether they eventually become obsolete or just never find a true niche, these creative inventions were great for their time but are virtually non-existent today.

The Telegraph
The first demonstration of this groundbreaking device in 1844 showed that messages could be transferred long distances almost instantaneously . The telegraph allowed for international communication, and paved the way for just about every modern communication technology.

ICQ
Before Instant Messenger, Twitter or Facebook, ICQ was what people used to chat online. It was pretty primitive – users had to have numbers instead of customizable handles – but it dominated the market for years until more advanced options become available.

MiniDisc
After the amazing success of the compact disc, companies tried to find ways to make data storage even smaller using similar technology. The MiniDisc actually offered great sound quality, but it was quickly abandoned for the MP3.

Steamships
Prior to the advent of coal-fired engines for boats, water travel either needed a huge amount of manpower or was dependent on the winds to cooperate. With the addition of a steam-powered motor, modern shipping became a possibility.

RealPlayer
Today, it’s impossible to think about the Internet without audio and video, but in the early days, you needed to use third-party software to watch and listen. Real Networks led the revolution with their often-buggy player, which was later replaced by faster, lighter products.

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Simple Hummus Recipe

December 6, 2012 By

Mediterranean cuisine is becoming more and more mainstream, and many people are turning to hummus as a snack or appetizer with veggies, crackers, or chips. This delicious chickpea spread is remarkably easy to make your own. Here’s a great recipe that’s simple to follow and packs magnificent flavor:

1. Start with a 16 ounce can of chickpeas. Reserve a quarter cup of liquid from the can and drain and rinse the beans.

2. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, three tablespoons of lemon juice, two tablespoons of tahini (a paste made of ground sesame seeds, available at most grocery stores), two tablespoons of olive oil, three cloves of crushed garlic, and a dash of salt.

3. Blend in the food processor until the ingredients are mixed together and add the reserved liquid from the chickpeas.

4. After the liquid is added, blend again on a low setting for five minutes or until the mixture is smooth.

5. Serve with toasted pita bread as a snack or appetizer.

And don't be afraid to get creative! If you want to add some variety to your hummus, there are a number of things you can include during the mixing phase. The spicy condiment known as harissa can add some zest to your recipe, as can a dash of cayenne pepper. Other spices also create unique favor combinations – try coriander seeds, fresh lemon, curry powder, or dill.

Enjoy!

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Five Unusual Must-Taste Foods

November 29, 2012 By

With international cuisines now available in a variety of forms, there are several unusual ingredients and preparations that any adventurous eater needs to add to their "must-try" list. If you’re putting together a list exotic, unusual foods to try, throw these five items on there.

Durian is one of the most popular fruits of Southeast Asia. It has a uniquely creamy texture and deep, complex flavor. The main reason you don’t see it much in the United States is because of its odor, which is incredibly pungent and a little off-putting, but if you can get past it the flavor is amazing.

Miracle fruit is another very interesting plant, hailing from Africa. This odd little berry packs a potent dose of an enzyme that briefly changes the way you taste other foods. It does so  by removing the tongue’s ability to taste sour and bitter flavors — so, eating a lemon after a miracle fruit just gives you an unusual citrus sweetness without any puckering bitterness.

Escargot is one of the most revered dishes in French cuisine — and, yes, it’s snails served in their shells. But if you can get over the yuck factor, they’re amazing, buttery packages of rich flavor.

Fugu, the Japanese puffer fish, needs to be prepared by an expert before it is served, as the poison glands inside the fish’s body can paralyze or even kill a human being. But, if you're on the adventurous side, and willing to take your life in your hands (just kidding!), the flesh itself is light and delicate.

If you’ve never sampled caviar, widely known as one of the world’s most decadent foods, you owe it to yourself to try it. The powerful, flavorful fish eggs are excellent atop blinis or small toasts.

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All About Greek Yogurt

November 21, 2012 By

Yogurt is high in protein and essential probiotics that can help your digestive system work properly. No wonder it's one of the most popular snacks out there. An interesting and satisfying variant is Greek yogurt. This style of yogurt is becoming a trend since it has less fat and more flavor. So what differentiates Greek yogurt from the regular stuff?

First, let's cover the background with a quick scientific explanation of how yogurt is made. Milk is heated to kill any undesirable bacteria. As it's cooled, the milk is infused with a new bacteria culture. The natural process of fermentation by that bacteria creates lactic acid, which causes the milk to thicken and gives yogurt its trademark tangy flavor.

This is where the process differs – Greek yogurt is given a second step after the fermentation, when the product is strained through a cloth or muslin bag to remove the whey. The final product is thicker and tangier than traditional yogurt and is used for a number of savory dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Greek yogurt is often used as a base for sauces, such as tzatziki, the traditional condiment of the gyro sandwich. For a sweet treat, enjoy it drizzled with honey, or top with cinnamon and berries for a wholesome breakfast.

Since straining eliminates the whey, Greek yogurt is lower in sugar and carbohydrates than traditional yogurt and higher in protein. This has made the Greek variety a popular option for health-conscious people and calorie-counters.

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Destination Pizzerias Around The U.S.

November 15, 2012 By

Here in the United States, pizza is something that many people have strong opinions about. Everybody has a favorite style — from traditional thin crust, New York style, to deep dish Chicago style. If you're a true pizza fan, and want to know where to get the very best, here are a few pizza places that stand out among the crowd.

DiFara’s, Brooklyn, New York
It is a bit of a long train ride out to DiFara’s from center city, but generations of pizza lovers will tell you it’s well worth it. Fabulously toothsome, thin crust pies are topped with a tangy sauce, rounds of fresh mozzarella, and enhanced with herbs from the store’s window garden.

Frank Pepe, New Haven, Connecticut
The classic “tomato pie” of New Haven is an area delicacy that you won’t find anywhere else in the nation. The delicious crust is the foundation for a mild, chunky tomato sauce that just needs a little grated Romano to really impress.

Pizzeria Mozza, Los Angeles, California
Famed chef Mario Batali is the man behind the menu at this upscale L.A. pizzeria, and, as you would expect, the pies are stellar. The crust is fluffy and balloons up to support outrageous toppings like squash blossoms and fresh burrata.

Al Forno, Providence, Rhode Island
Al Forno first opened its doors in 1980, and specializes in pies that barely stray from flatbread territory but still satisfy. Pizzas here are cooked on a grill and topped with fresh ingredients sourced from local providers.

Pizzeria Blanco, Phoenix, Arizona
You probably wouldn’t expect to find some of the best pies in the United States in Arizona, but the world is full of wonderful surprises. Chef Chris Bianco makes all his crusts with top-notch organic flour, and then fires them in a gorgeous wood-fired oven. Pizza are topped with awesome ingredients that provide outstanding flavor combinations.

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Delicious Pasta Salads

November 8, 2012 By

If pasta salads make you think of mayonnaise and picnics, don’t despair – there are actually many different things you can do with pasta right in your kitchen at Travis AFB Homes that are savory and delicious. Below are five pasta salad ideas that will turn the traditional mayo-based dish into a delight:

1. Caprese Salad.  Combine fresh basil, vine-ripened tomatoes, and balls of creamy mozzarella in a little bit of olive oil and mix with a small, thick pasta like rigatoni to hold the oil.

2. Greek Pasta Salad.  This is also a great take on the classic. Use a mixture of cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, firm feta cheese, and fragrant olives and use mostaccioli, the small, curved pasta named after the mustache, as the base of the salad. Dress with a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.

3. Asian Pasta Salad.  Use soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat flour. Toss them in a mixture of soy sauce and toasted sesame oil and garnish with diced scallions for a delicious, simple salad that delivers robust, interesting tastes.

4. Middle Eastern Salad.  For an interesting Middle Eastern alternative to pasta salad, try making some tabbouleh. This dish uses kernels of bulgur wheat instead of noodles, and serves them in a tart mixture of finely-diced mint and parsley. It’s a great side dish.

5. Low-Cal Pasta Salad.  A simple salad of penne pasta, cut bell peppers, sweet corn, and snow peas, served in a mix of oil, vinegar, and mustard, can satisfy just about any audience.

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How To Cook Tofu

November 1, 2012 By

With vegetarian diets becoming more mainstream and more and more non-vegetarians opting for “meatless Mondays," it’s worth acquainting yourself with a staple food of the vegetarian diet – tofu. Some may cringe at the mere sound of the word, but if prepared correctly, this versatile protein can be quite delicious and satisfying. If you’re new to cooking tofu, start with a few basic tips to help you prepare tofu easily right in your kitchen at Travis AFB Homes.

Use firm or extra firm tofu
Use firm or extra firm tofu for most recipes, so that it holds-up while cooking. Before cooking, slide and press it for 10-15 minutes with a brick, a stack of books, or a pan filled with water to squeeze out excess water.

Safety first!
Steam raw tofu for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria before adding it to any uncooked dish, like a salad or a sandwich.

Add some flavor
Use spices like ginger, cumin, or curry or marinate in soy sauce or your favorite dressing to add some interest to this mild protein.

Tofu is a chameleon
It can be baked, fried or steamed. Try adding fried tofu to pasta with sautéed veggies and top with pesto and cheese, or serve baked tofu with couscous or rice and a salad for a healthy option. Or enjoy fried tofu on a whole wheat roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a hearty lunch or add steamed tofu to a fresh vegetable stirfry for dinner.

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Great Foodie TV Shows

October 25, 2012 By

For foodies out there, there are a number of delicious TV shows about food that you can enjoy even with a full stomach. From cooking shows, to chef competitions, to eating documentaries, below are a few must-see TV shows about food.

Chopped
This show pits 4 chefs against each other, tasking them to make dishes from mystery ingredients that range from the delicious to the outrageous. This is a real pressure cooker of a show, and it’s always interesting to see what the talented contenders cook up.

Kitchen Nightmares
Gordon Ramsay is a foul-mouthed chef, and his addictive show depicts him visiting struggling restaurants and working to turn them around before they go out of business for good. You'll be hooked in no time, as you look at what happens behind the scenes in professional kitchens.

Good Eats
Alton Brown’s love of food translates perfectly to the screen in his long-running show that explores the ins and outs of food from multitude of angles – chef, diner, even scientist. You’re guaranteed to learn something new every week that will help you in the kitchen.

Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern
Renowned food writer Zimmern stakes out territory on the very edge of edible. In his show, he travels to the ends of the earth consuming things that will make your stomach turn. If you’re an adventurous eater, this is the show for you.

Top Chef
The granddaddy of all cooking competitions, this long-running Bravo series gets the best and the brightest of the food world together, and lets them shine with some truly incredible food.

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