Holiday Party

12 Austin South Asian | December 2022

Why You Should Plan Ahead This Heating Season

Between the Russian invasion of Ukraine and sky-high oil and gas prices, a significant pellet fuel supply shortage is likely this winter season. Industry experts say the largest residential wood pellet manufacturing company in the United States, notes that taking advantage of the surplus while it lasts will allow producers to run at full throttle and build inventory before usage begins to outpace production in the depths of winter.

Because pellets are competitively priced nationwide, consumers who opt for this method of heating will save hundreds of dollars over the course of a winter season compared to heating oil or propane, and thousands of dollars compared to electric heat.

“Many have already turned to wood pellet heating and many more are expected to do so amid the current energy crisis,” says Brett Jordan, CEO of Lignetics Group.

you should plan ahead and secure your fuel now for the cold winter months. The good news is that, currently, there is plenty of supply to stock up.

As Tim Portz, executive director of the Pellet Fuels Institute explains, Russia is the second largest producer of wood pellets globally, supplying more than 2 million tons to global markets in 2020. But sanctions and restrictions due to the invasion of Ukraine have required U.S. pellet producers to fill the gap.

What’s more, the sticker shock Americans may experience this winter when reviewing their energy bills will likely have many switching to pellet heating in search of a better deal, and those with multiple heating options may start opting for pellets, putting extra demand on potentially short supplies.

“Wood pellet demand fluctuates year to year, however with heating oil, natural gas, electric and propane prices at near historic highs, we could see record sales of pellets in 2022-2023,” says Portz.

“Consumers will need to be savvy. To ensure their annual supply is secured, they should stock up now.” than 1 million homes nationwide. Pellets are a renewable, cleanburning fuel made from the waste streams generated by the manufacturers of products like dimensional

lumber, hardwood flooring, wood pallets and cabinetry. Although supplies are strong right now, pellet producers are highlighting the importance of keeping inventory moving through the system.

With the capacity to produce more than 1 million tons of wood pellets each year, Lignetics Group, “However, these consumers will need to take their wise choice a step further by being prepared.

Fueling up now on your normal pellet supply will mean being able to take advantage of this sustainable and cost-efficient option all winter.” (StatePoint)

It Is Time To Make Winter Weather Preparedness A Priority

City of Austin encourages the community to prepare for winter weather in advance this year. The last few weeks of cooler temperatures are a chilly reminder to begin stocking up on supplies and planning ahead for winter. The Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office (HSEM) is prepared to respond to an emergency if needed. HSEM updates the Winter Weather Plan annually. This plan is designed for emergency response in the event of severe winter weather so that the City can provide resources like shelter, food and water distribution and other lifesaving resources.

The City’s annual tabletop planning exercise for departments is scheduled in December. This year, HSEM has also pre-deployed shelter-ready supply kits at nine City-owned recreation centers to ensure resources are ready to be activated throughout Austin when needed. “The Central Texas area has historically had mild winters, but over the last few years we have seen extreme cold weather conditions that have had severe impacts on our community,” said Juan Ortiz, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department Director.

“Our staff has been working to ensure we are better prepared to respond during an emergency, and we are asking the community to be more prepared as well. Our level of preparedness will make us more resilient.” Community members can also help themselves be ready for cold weather this season. Follow the four P’s for winter weather safety.

How To Create The Perfect Charcuterie Board For Your Holiday Party

Are you hosting a holiday party and looking for a simple way to impress your guests? The Texas Roadhouse Butcher Shop is sharing steps for building an eye-catching and mouth-watering charcuterie board that will add color, flavor and variety to your holiday table. them to your board.

5. No charcuterie board is complete without some crunch. Add two to three options like pita crackers, crusty breads or toasted baguettes that will stand up to the weight of your meats and cheeses.

6. Now, add some brightness and sweetness to your board. Fresh fruits like blueberries, strawberries and green grapes, and preserves such as peach pepper jam, will add contrast to rich, salty meats and cheeses. Don’t forget seasonal sweets and treats like soft peppermints, peanut brittle, chocolate dipped pretzels and candied nuts.

1. Grab a platter or surface to display your charcuterie. Anything will work, even a simple cutting board. Just be sure to choose a size that you can fill completely.

2. Use dishes or ramekins of mismatched sizes, shapes and colors to hold dressings, toppings and sauces. This will keep your board clean and add fun visual details to the display.

3. Include two to four cheeses of contrasting flavors and textures to please all palates, and to complement other elements of the board. The varieties you select should represent these basic categories: hard cheese, (such as Chardonnay Bellavitano) soft cheese, (such as brie) and blue cheese (such as French Roquefort).

4. While a traditional charcuterie board typically sticks with cured meats, the holiday season is the perfect occasion for adding depth and richness to your feast with grilled meats, such as filet, sliced into strips. Those from Texas Roadhouse Butcher Shop are lean, flavorful, and melt in your mouth, making them a natural choice for a hearty holiday spread. Whether you are firing up the grill or preparing on a cooktop, allow any cooked meats to rest well before adding 7. You’ll want your charcuterie board to look as if it’s overflowing. So, as you’re building it out, start with the largest elements like the cheeses and meats first, followed by smaller items like crackers, fresh produce and sweets.

Fill in any holes with sprigs of aromatic rosemary for trimming, along with additional portions of the smaller items. The various elements of the board should pair well together, so it’s okay if they touch. For additional hosting tips, or to shop for seasonal gifts and your holiday spread, visit trbutchershop. com. For 15% off your order, use the promo code PARTY15. To wow your guests and their tastebuds, take your charcuterie board to the next level with seasonal treats, grilled meats and a cornucopia of sweet and savory flavors. (StatePoint)