39 minute read
Saddle Up and Read Caitlin Gooch is an equestrian encouraging children to achieve literary excellence
from 2022-08-SREMC
Caulking is just one step to saving you can take.
The HERO Home
The high-efficiency residential option, or HERO, home is a great option for anyone looking to build a home. This is because HERO focuses on the building envelope, requiring slightly better insulation, fenestration, air sealing, equipment, and lighting to deliver savings.
South River EMC offers rebates on HERO certified homes and you could also find information on the rebates at sremc.com/ hero-program or by calling 910.892.8071 x 2153.
Pool Pumps And You
A pool pump is the heart of the swimming pool's circulation system, with lots of jobs that add to energy costs.
There are better options then a single-speed pump, such as a variable- or two-speed pump, which allow you to tailor water and energy use to task.
For details on the pool pump rebate, visit sremc.com/ pool-pumps or call 910.892.8071 x 2153.
Improve Comfort And Costs
Reducing the amount of air leaks in and out of your home is a cost-effective way to cut heating and cooling costs and increase comfort.
Caulking and weather stripping are simple and effective techniques. Caulk is used for cracks and openings between stationary components, and weather stripping is used to seal components that move, such as doors and windows.
Insulation in your home provides resistance to heat flow and can help lower heating and cooling costs, while improving comfort.
South River EMC offers rebates on insulation and weatherization improvements, for details, visit sremc.com/ insulation-weatherization or call 910.892.8071 x 2222.
No one wants to take a cold shower. The right water heater can provide your home with cost-effective and reliable hot water.
Your typical electric water heater uses one or two replaceable heating elements to heat water. A more efficient water heater uses energy from the air or sun to heat water, can be larger than a standard electric water heater, and is more of an initial investment. However, that can be made up for in savings, if conditions and use are right. South River EMC offers rebates on solar and heat pump water heaters. You can view details on the rebates at sremc.com/ energy-efficient-water- heating or learn more by calling 910.892.8071 x 2153.
Rigorous Testing Means Savings
The Energy Star shows that a product has undergone rigorous testing to prove its energy savings. Appliances like clothes washers, dryers, refrigerators and dehumidifiers with the Energy Star are eligible for rebate from South River EMC.
For information on the rebate
offered by South River EMC, visit sremc.com/ energy-star-appliances or call 910.892.8071 x 2153.
Receive The Air You Expect
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Responsible for heating and cooling your home, it includes items like air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductwork, as well as thermostats.
That’s why when you install a new HVAC system, you want to make sure your unit is sized correctly, is efficient, and that ductwork is solid. These items work together to deliver the air you pay for each month.
In the market for a new HVAC system? South River EMC offers a rebate on high efficiency heat pumps, with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, rating of 17 or greater.
For details on the rebate visit sremc.com/ energy-star-heating-cooling or call 910.892.8071 x 2222.
Energy Star appliances with energy- efficient practices can help save.
We are all feeling the pressure of rising costs. Whether at the gas pump, grocery store, or our favorite restaurant, price increases are having a real impact on our daily lives. In times like these, it makes sense to make wise decisions on how we spend our money, putting forth the effort to cut costs where we can. If you want to really see an immediate positive financial impact on your electric bill, you may want to consider our timeof-use, TOU, rate.
The TOU rate encourages the member to use the bulk of their energy outside of a 3- or 4-hour window, Monday through Friday. Energy used outside of the “on-peak” window is billed at a rate that is less than half the price of the current residential rate. However, energy used during the on-peak window is billed at over three times the going rate per kilowatt-hour (kwh).
Our family of five transitioned to the TOU rate in October 2018. Prior to switching, our average annual energy cost was around $2,200 per year; we consumed about 18,000 kwh on average annually. Since the switch to the TOU rate, our average annual cost has dropped to around $1,500 per year but our electricity consumption has increased to approximately 18,300 kwh annually. So, while on the TOU rate we dramatically lowered our cost while using more electricity.
To be successful on the TOU rate you must automate your HVAC system by installing a programmable or smart thermostat. This allows you to program your HVAC system in such a way that it doesn’t run during the on-peak time, which is 2 to 6 p.m. Mon.– Fri. during the summer and 6 to 9 a.m. Mon.– Fri. during the winter. As the graph below illustrates, our kwh consumption this time of year is extremely low during the on-peak hours of the day. During those four hours there is no HVAC system runtime, hot water use, drying of clothes, or cooking. We are out of the house for the majority of the day but putting up with a little inconvenience five days per week has produced real savings for us the last four years. An added bonus is that all electricity used on Saturday and Sunday is billed at the off-peak rate.
This rate is great for working households where the home is empty during the majority of the on-peak time but, if you’re willing to take the necessary steps and put up with a little inconvenience, it can work for anyone. Right now, you can receive a $20 bill credit for switching to the TOU rate. Be mindful that there is a 12-month commitment once you switch. If you elect to transition back to the standard residential rate, the meter change carries a $100 fee. For more information on the time-of-use rate, go to our website at sremc.com/
TOU or give us a call.
Advise Guy Aaron Jackson
South River EMC Communicator
PO Box 931 Dunn, NC 28335 910.892.8071 800.338.5530 www.sremc.com
Electronics Word Scramble
You can be more energy efficient by turning off unused electronics. Many electronics consume energy even when they’re not being used. Unplug them to save energy.
Unscramble the letters below to reveal electronics you can turn off when not in use.
Use the pictures for clues and check your work in the answer key.
1. RCOEMUTP
2. MGAE NOESCLO
3. LCAEB XBO
4. EWROP PRTIS
5. ONSILEETIV
ANSWER KEY: 1) COMPUTER 2) GAME CONSOLE 3) CABLE BOX 4) POWER STRIP 5) TELEVISION
Refreshing Treats in Summer Heat
End the season with a bit of spice and a sweet aftertaste
If you're in the mood for something sweet with a hint of spice that beats the summer heat, look no further than these revitalizing recipes. Cool down after fun in the sun with a fresh, sunny day snack or a tropical-inspired dessert that will make everyone stand in line for another scoop.
Visit culinary.net and ncsweetpotatoes.com for more refreshing summertime recipes.
—FamilyFeatures.com Piña Colada Sweet Potato Ice Pops
Find local sweet potato growers at gottobenc.com to add fresh richness to your ice pop. ½ cup coconut cream ¾ cup mashed and cooked sweet potato ¾ cup diced pineapple 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon lime juice
Coconut flakes (optional)
In a food processor or high-speed blender, mix coconut cream, sweet potato, pineapple, honey and lime juice. Transfer batter to freezer molds and place in freezer 3–4 hours.
Top with coconut flakes, if desired.
Yield: 8 small ice pops
Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa
Enjoy with tortilla chips or as a topping on your favorite tacos to add a little sweetness. 1¼ cup fresh pineapple, diced 1¼ cup fresh mango, diced 2 tomatoes, diced ½ red onion, diced 1 jalapeño, finely chopped 1 tablespoon coriander 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Sea salt, to taste
Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Tortilla chips, for serving In a large bowl, combine pineapple, mango, tomato, onion, jalapeño, coriander, lime juice and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. With a rubber spatula, mix all ingredients together. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips.
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The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for. The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion. The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the SERVING EASTERN NC spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power 252-773-0739 compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade.
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Ready, Set, (Your) Thermostat!
The right settings can help save energy
By Miranda Boutelle
Heating and cooling account for about half the energy used in a typical home, so it’s a great place to use less energy. When used wisely, your thermostat can help reduce wasted energy.
Here’s some information on thermostat types, common operational misconceptions and best practices you can start today.
Types of thermostats Mechanical thermostats are easy to control by adjusting a dial or sliding a switch. The downfall is you must make temperature adjustments manually, which is easy to forget. They are inefficient because they typically heat or cool the home beyond the set point.
If your cooling is set to 72 degrees, a mechanical thermostat may actually cool your home to 70 degrees before it turns off, wasting energy. Then it might not come on again until the home reaches 74 degrees. That four-degree temperature change is noticeable and can lead people to adjust the thermostat setting down even more, which wastes more energy.
Also, some mechanical thermostats contain mercury. You can determine that by removing the front plate and looking for small glass bulbs. If your thermostat contains mercury, replace it and find a way to properly recycle it.
Digital thermostats are more accurate, efficient and some are programmable, which is a great option for people who don’t have reliable broadband access.
Smart thermostats, which require an internet connection, are Wi-Fi-enabled and can be controlled using a smartphone app. Programming is easier, and you can track and manage use and temperature data.
Smart thermostats can learn your preferences and set a schedule that automatically adjusts the temperature. Some have geofencing, which adjusts the temperature based on the distance your smartphone is from home.
Misconceptions about thermostats A common misconception is the higher you turn your thermostat up or down, the faster your home’s temperature will change. Turning your thermostat down to 55 degrees to cool your home faster is like repeatedly pushing the elevator button and expecting it to come faster.
It’s likely you will forget you adjusted it, and waste energy by over heating or cooling the home. Set your desired temperature for heating and cooling, or program your thermostat so you don’t make extreme adjustments.
Many people believe it takes more energy to heat or cool a house instead of leaving it the same temperature. The larger the temperature variance between inside and outside, the more energy your system uses. Setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day can save up to 10% a year on your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Best practices Use these cooling tips from the DOE to add efficiency and savings to your home:
■ Set your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer when you are home and awake, and warmer at night or when away. ■ Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature throughout the day and when you leave the house. ■ When on vacation, set your thermostat to 85 degrees in the summer.
■ In the summer, fans allow you to set your thermostat about 4 degrees warmer without feeling it. Remember, fans cool people not rooms, so turn them off when you leave a room.
■ Use your thermostat to optimize energy efficiency and find a balance between comfort and affordability.
This column was written by Miranda Boutelle of the Efficiency Services Group. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.
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Bright Ideas
in Action
Education grants spark innovation in NC classrooms
By Sarah Thompson
For nearly 30 years, the North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have given more than 600 annual grants to support teachers creating innovative ways for students to learn through the Bright Ideas program. Since 1994, co-ops have issued more than $14.3 million in grants that have benefited well over 2.8 million students. Teachers can apply for grants every year to fund experiential projects and new classroom resources. Here are a few of this year’s projects, inspiring students across the state.
Sarah Thompson is the 2022 editorial intern for
Carolina Country. Rutherford EMC Teacher: Danna Ritchie, Catawba Heights Elementary School
Participating Students: 50
LEGO is more than a toy. Through Bright Ideas, students were given LEGO bricks to build race cars and compete against their peers as an example of force and motion. This project made the second graders excited to learn and gave the teacher a new resource to use with her future students.
Roanoke Electric Cooperative Teacher: Roger Brown, Bertie Middle School
Participating Students: 450
Through this project, students learned how to play the drums and apply their skills and understanding of rhythm to their own music. The project exposed students to a variety of cultural genres of music such as Cuban, African, Poco and Latin. The students performed a drum circle influenced by these genres, and capped off the project with a 30-minute concert in front of their peers and community.
Lumbee River EMC Teacher: Sylvia Beckham, Seventy-First Classical Middle School
Participating Students: 170
It’s difficult to teach students how to engineer, invent and innovate without the right materials. Middle school STEM Innovators are assured a wide variety of STEM projects and resources to let their imagination run wild. Some of the projects of this year’s STEM Innovators included solar powered cars, rocket building, 3D printing and coding LEGO robots. Next year, teacher Sylvia Beckham plans on teaching seventh graders how to build and fly drones. These projects are possible because of the classroom training kits made available by the support of Lumbee River EMC.
Tri-County EMC Teacher: Rebecca Richards, Grantham Elementary
Participating Students: 300
Through teacher Rebecca Richards’ project, students learned how to program, code and engineer using supplies provided by Sphero Mini Education, as well as the help of local businesses in the industry. These resources allowed students to practice problem-solving strategies and challenged them to hone real world skills. “Time to Cook”
Albemarle EMC Teacher: Jennifer Robinson, Moyock Middle School
Participating Students: 200
Through this project, students learned the basics of cooking from budgeting for food, planning meals, reading recipes and, of course, how to create delicious meals. In class, the students made cinnamon sugar biscuits, cinnamon roll waffles and grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato and bacon. The hope of this project is to encourage students to explore foods and gain confidence in the kitchen.
Haywood EMC Teacher: Sam Yancey, Haywood County Schools
Participating Students: 200
Through this initiative, students from second through fifth grade learned how to upcycle household and classroom materials using Strawbees-brand sustainability stations. This project helped students become experts in finding alternative uses for plastic materials. They were given the freedom to tinker, create and combine recycled materials to produce sustainable and innovative objects. Teacher Sam Yancey hopes this experience will shape the newest inventors that will remake the world into a better place by creating something new with something old.
Saddle Up and Read
Caitlin Gooch is an equestrian encouraging children to achieve literary excellence
By Rue Reynold
Caitlin Gooch
Claim to fame: Caitlin started riding horses at age 3 and has leveraged her love of animals as a way to promote literacy. Where you’ll find her: Keep an eye on Saddle Up and Read’s Facebook (facebook.com/saddleupandread) and Instagram (instagram.com/saddleupandread) pages to keep up to date on events in your area.
Wendell native Caitlin Gooch began life with a love for animals and helping others. She became invested in her community at an early age, and while volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club, Caitlin discovered literary deficiency cases in children growing at an alarming rate.
Having only a few horses and nothing else, Caitlin took the reins and worked from the ground up to make a change. That passion created Saddle Up and Read (saddleupandread.org), a nonprofit that blends education, inspiration and interaction all in one to increase literacy in children with the assistance of horses.
All of Saddle Up and Read’s programs are free to attend and enjoy. Farm Reading Sessions can help instill personal growth, responsibility and confidence as children read and interact with horses.
The Literary Outreach program involves children checking out at least three books from a partnering library to be entered into a random drawing. Winners are given a certificate to visit Caitlin’s farm to enjoy the full Farm Reading experience.
Caitlin also travels to parks and neighborhoods with books and her partner, Man-Man the miniature horse. As children interact with Man-Man, Caitlin excites their interest in reading with flash cards and a reading session.
“I want people to know this is something they can do,” Caitlin says. “They can do whatever it is they feel their heart is telling them to do, whether it’s to change the world or change themselves.”
Rue Reynold is the editorial assistant for Carolina Country.
Discovery Place
Fun for All at NC Children’s Museums
Beat the summer heat with delights for kids and adults
By Margaret Buranen Discovery Place
Avisit to a children’s museum is a cool way to spend a hot summer day. North Carolina has some fine museums designed to spark learning, fun and amazement in kids of all ages, including those listed here. (See museums’ websites for information on admission prices, parking, café hours, directions and general policies.)
Discovery Place Science Center 301 N Tryon St., Charlotte sciencediscoveryplace.org Science and technology exhibits for all ages. Great new exhibits on oceans and the human body. Rainforest with real plants, animals — and humidity of the tropics. Hands on labs, IMAX theater presentations.
Discovery Place Nature 1658 Sterling Rd., Charlotte naturediscoveryplace.org Insect Alley, adjacent butterfly pavilion (live insects), Naturalist Lab with scopes for close-up specimen viewing, Creature Cavern, Paw Paw Nature Trail to explore. Fort Wild has logs, boulders and wheelbarrows so kids can build forts. For kids of all ages.
Discovery Place Kids 105 Gilead Rd., Huntersville kidsdiscoveryplace.org/huntersville Lots of hands-on exhibits and role play activities: vet’s clinic, full sized fire truck, race car and car repair shop and more. Best suited to kids age 8 and younger.
Discovery Place Kids 233 E. Washington St., Rockingham kidsdiscoveryplace.org/rockingham Artists’ studio, water table and air tubes for learning basic science, treehouse. For kids age 8 and under. Museum of Life and Science 433 W. Murray Ave., Durham | lifeandscience.org Located within an 84-acre park. Trail with life-sized dinosaur models; live animals include black bears, red wolves, lemurs; amazing butterfly conservatory; two-acre hideaway woods with treehouses; wind exhibit with model sailboats, and much more. For all ages.
Children’s Museum of Wilmington 116 Orange St., Wilmington | playwilmington.org The climb-on pirate ship and cargo ship exhibit reflect Wilmington’s history as a port city. Separate toddler and baby tree house exhibit. Visitors activate engaging exhibits on the human body. Hands-on artists’ studio, grocery store, scientist’s lab. Best for younger kids.
Marbles Kids Museum
Marbles Kids Museum 201 East Hargett St., Raleigh marbleskidsmuseum.org Sprawling “around town” play area, money exhibit with large piggy bank, hands-on workshop and craft center, ice hockey-themed play area, and electric power station exhibits.
Kaleideum North 400 West Hanes Mill Rd., Winston-Salem north.kaleideum.org Outdoor environmental park with live animals and gardens, hands-on exhibits allow kids to build and create while learning science. Best for toddlers to age 10. Kaleideum Downtown 390 S Liberty St., Winston-Salem downtownkaleideum.org Hands-on exhibits of folk (non-battery) toys demonstrating science, doughnut factory, theater prop shop, artists’ studio, climbing lobby. Best for toddlers to age 10.
Exploration Station Children’s Museum 210 E. 2nd St., Lumberton robesonpartnership.org/exp-stat Hands-on exhibits and play areas to develop creativity and interest in science and math. Best for infants to 5-year-olds.
Fascinate-U Children’s Museum 116 Green St., Fayetteville | fascinate-u.com Set up as a mini-city, hands-on exhibits allow kids to role play at the diner, TV station, farmers’ market and grocery store. Best for kids age 8 and younger.
Catawba Science Center 243 Third Ave. NE, Hickory | catawbascience.org Salt and freshwater aquarium galleries, digital planetarium, treehouse of four seasons for kids under 5, hands-on exhibits demonstrate physics principles, nanotechnology, sustainable farming and more for older kids and young teens. Special butterfly habitat.
NC Museum of Natural Sciences 11 West Jones St., Raleigh | naturalsciences.org Interactive exhibits for all ages in nature research and nature exploration centers, living conservatory with plants and animals from a tropical forest. Website has links to branches at Whiteville, Prairie Ridge Ecostation, Greenville and Contentnea Creek.
Margaret Buranen writes from her home in Kentucky.
Fishing for the Big Bucks
Big Rock tournament winners took home a record purse
By Mike Zlotnicki
It was over barely after it started, though it took a week to ensure.
The crew of boat Mercenaria caught a 572.6-pound blue marlin on the first day of the 64th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, and it managed to hold up as the heaviest blue marlin weighed in for the week.
The tournament, held in June and sponsored by Jarrett Bay Boatworks (see “Sportfishing with ‘Flare’,” August 2021, page 12), has roots going back to the day the first recorded blue marlin was caught off the North Carolina coast in 1957. At that time, the community in Morehead City pulled together the prize of a child’s red wagon filled with silver dollars — the prizes have since grown to exceed $1 million, and more than $5.8 million in prizes were awarded this year.
Most competing boats sailed out of Morehead City and Beaufort, or Hatteras and Outer Banks ports. All are fishing the Gulf Stream, and most boats are 40 to 70 feet in length. There is an outboard motor division, and those boats are about 23 to 36 feet in length. (They are considered “small,” and only one time has an outboard powered boat won the tournament.) It costs a little over $50,000 to enter all levels of the tournament for maximum return. This year, 266 boats competed and had 226 billfish releases.
Prize winners Before the Mercenaria’s crew won the big prize at the end of the tournament, they also won the Fabulous Fisherman Division for weighing in the first blue marlin over 500 pounds, good for $777,750 on day one. The Cherrystone, Virginia, boat also won the Super 20 Division, good for $1,156,000, and other divisions for a grand total of $3,489,813 — a tournament record.
Other winning crews included the Wall Hanger’s angler, Stacy Allen, who claimed second place for her 556.4-pound blue marlin, earning her team $426,288. High Yield landed in third place with a 536.8-pound catch taking home $283,525.
Pelagic Hunter II won the Outboard Division and went home with $42,500.
In the 25th Annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament presented by Truist, 215 boats and 800 lady anglers competed for their piece of the $318,750 purse. Can Do Too won with two blue marlin releases worth 800 points and $108,800. Second place went to MJ’S for releasing two blue marlin earning them $24,225. All In took third place worth $16,150 for releasing two white marlin and one blue.
The ladies of the Capt. Stacy, chartered by the Delta Health Foundation, fished from the iconic headboat. Nearly 40 ladies from the Carteret Healthcare Oncology Center and cancer patients had the opportunity to compete in the tournament aboard Capt. Stacy.
Overall, the 215 boats racked up 50 released billfish and caught 47 gamefish.
A worthy cause Since 1986, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament has contributed more than $7.5 million to charitable causes in eastern North Carolina. In 2021, the tournament raised more than $1 million for the first time. Recipients include a variety of community improvement projects, marine conservation initiatives and education programs.
And what happens to the fish? Only blue marlin that might place are brought to the scale. This year, the tournament had a 96% release rate. Fish such as tuna, dolphinfish and wahoo go home with the anglers, and the few marlin that aren’t released are used for scientific study by university marine labs.
Mike Zlotnicki is associate editor at Wildlife in North Carolina magazine. He lives in Garner with his wife, three daughters and two German shorthaired pointers.
Vacation Rental BEAUTIFUL OCEANFRONT RENTALS...Best Value in Indian Beach N.C. Each 2bdrm/1 bath & sleeper sofa includes all the comforts of home. Large oceanfront deck and private steps to the beach. On the sound side, pier, dock, shelter, playground, picnic benches, and boat ramp facility. Visit our website to view our beachfront rentals: www.oceanfrontcourt.com or call 1-800553-SURF (7873) MYRTLE BEACH AND NMB CONDOS oceanfront and Ist row sleeps 4 to 8 (3BR 3BA) awesome ocean front views a wonderful memorable vacation! 704-300-6001 HATTERAS CABANAS–Oceanview–Surf Fishing–Dogs Allowed. Call Manager office 1-800-338-4775 ask for info on #23 ATLANTIC BEACH OCEANFRONT CONDO, breathtaking view. 1/BD, 1½ /BA, $100.00. 816-931-3366. For Sale HAZEL KELLER COSMETICS. Made in NC using natural ingredients since 1964. Look your best with the ultimate in luxurious, yet affordable cosmetics. 704-399-2226, www.kellercosmetics.com WINCHESTER 10 GUN SAFE. $275. htrogdon@carolina.rr.com. Gold Maps FUN, HOW TO PAN. Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, California. 1-407-282-3594. WWW.GOLDMAPS.COM TRIANGLE DETECTORS. Large selection of metal detectors and gold prospecting equipment, SALES & RENTALS. Durham 919-949-4007 Business Opportunities “MONEY LIKES SPEED, SIMPLICITY AND AUTOMATION!” “First Mover Advantages!” www.PerpetualProfits.biz Miscellaneous
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Pesto Potato Salad Prepared pesto is easy to find in supermarket produce sections, and there are even kinds that branch out beyond traditional basil-parmesan. Feel free to try any you like in this quick-to-make potato salad. The skin of new potatoes is tender, so there’s no need to peel unless you prefer a less rustic look. 2 pounds new potatoes ½ cup prepared pesto ¼ cup sundried tomatoes in oil ½ cup chopped red onion 3 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
Place the potatoes in a large pot, add enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Cook until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a knife, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool until you can handle them, then cut into about 1½ -inch chunks. Place in a large bowl.
Drain and lightly press sundried tomatoes between paper towels to remove excess oil. Chop the tomatoes and gently toss with the potatoes, pesto, red onion, olive oil and salt. Taste, then add more salt if needed.
For best flavor, let the potato salad sit at room temperature for 2 hours, or refrigerate overnight then bring to room temperature before serving.
Asparagus and Sugar Snaps
With ginger dressing Add grilled chicken or fried cubes of tofu to make it a light main dish. But don’t overcook the asparagus and sugar snap or snow peas for this salad! They should be bright green and still have some crunch. 1 pound asparagus, woody ends removed ½ pound sugar snap or snow peas 3 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white wine vinegar ½ teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sugar 1½ teaspoons salt, or to taste 1½ teaspoons fresh ginger, grated ¼ teaspoon garlic, grated ¼ cup grated carrots
Bring a large pot of water to boil, then drop in the asparagus and sugar snap peas. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the vegetables are bright green. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop them from cooking. Let them drain well.
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar and salt until well combined. Whisk in the ginger and garlic. Taste and see if you want more salt.
Place the cooled asparagus and sugar snap or snow peas, plus the carrots, in a large serving bowl or platter and pour the dressing over. Use tongs to gently turn and toss the vegetables with the dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours and bring to room temperature before serving.
Yield: Serves 4
Digital Extra We take food seriously. Visit carolinacountry.com/recipes to search more than 1,000 recipes by name or ingredient, with a new recipe featured every week!
Tom’s Turkey Meatloaf Our neighbor Tom uses whatever veggies live in his refrigerator crisper for this recipe, but we made it with sweet potato, spinach, onions and green bell peppers. Just end up with 2 cups of vegetables overall, and be sure they’re finely chopped or shredded. 2 tablespoons butter ½ large onion, finely chopped ¼ cup celery or green bell pepper, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1½ cups additional vegetables such as: peeled and shredded sweet potatoes, shredded carrots, chopped mushrooms, chopped fresh spinach (not frozen), chopped fresh arugula 2 pounds 85-percent lean ground turkey* 1 teaspoon thyme ½ cup panko breadcrumbs 3 tablespoons oatmeal 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 egg 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce Glaze ½ cup Memphis-style barbecue sauce 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cover a rimmed sheet pan and baking rack with foil, and put the rack in the sheet pan.
Place a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the butter. Sauté the onion, celery or green pepper and garlic until the vegetables are soft and have released their liquid. Pour everything in the pan, including liquid, into a heatproof 2-cup measuring cup. Add your choice of additional vegetables until you get 2 cups total.
Put the ground turkey in a large bowl and add the vegetables, thyme, panko, oatmeal, cornstarch, egg and Worcestershire sauce. Use two spoons to stir until combined; don’t overmix or mash.
Put the meatloaf mixture in the center of the foil-covered rack and gently press it into an even 2-inches thick. In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients and spread half of it over the meatloaf. Bake for 30 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on the meatloaf. Bake for 30 to 40 more minutes, or until the meatloaf registers 165 degrees in the center with an instant-read thermometer. *No leaner, or the meatloaf will be dry.
Yield: Makes 1 meatloaf, serves about 8
Unless otherwise noted, recipes on this page are from Debbie Moose (debbiemoose.com), who has authored seven cookbooks and is a former food editor for The News & Observer in Raleigh.
From Your Kitchen
Mississippi Mud Cake A relative of “Mississippi Mud Pie,” this cake’s fudgy, dense interior is reminiscent of, well, Mississippi river mud. Though its origins are unclear, one thing is for certain: one bite of this rich creation will nip your chocolate (and sugar) cravings in the bud! 2 cups sugar 2 cups flour 1 stick butter 3½ tablespoons cocoa 1 cup water ½ cup shortening (we used butter) ½ cup buttermilk 3 eggs, unbeaten 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon baking soda
Dash of salt Topping 1 box (3½ cups) powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 stick butter 3½ tablespoons cocoa 6 tablespoons milk 4 cups miniature marshmallows ½ cup nuts, chopped
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9-by-13inch pan. Mix sugar and flour into a mixing bowl. Put butter, cocoa, water and shortening in saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Pour over sugar and flour and beat well. Add milk, eggs, vanilla, baking soda, salt and mix. Pour pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until done.
For the topping, measure sugar and vanilla into a mixing bowl. Bring butter, cocoa and milk to boil in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Add to sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Once the cake has baked, remove from oven and layer the marshmallows evenly on top. Place the cake back into the oven for about 3 minutes, or until the marshmallows melt slightly.
Remove from oven and drop spoonfuls of icing onto the top of the cake, using a knife to swirl the marshmallow and frosting together.
Sprinkle the nuts on top.
Yield: 8–12 servings
Recipe courtesy of Mildred Ann Barwick of Scotland Neck, a member of Halifax EMC.
Send Us Your Recipes
Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25. We retain reprint rights for all submissions. Recipes submitted are not necessarily entirely original. Include your name, address, phone number (for questions), and the name of your electric cooperative. Mail to: Carolina Country Kitchen, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27616. Or submit your recipe online at: carolinacountry.com/myrecipe.
in Carolina Country is this ?
Send your answer by August 15, with your name, address and the name of your electric cooperative.
Online: carolinacountry.com/where By mail: Where in Carolina Country? 3400 Sumner Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27616 Sign up for email updates to guess next month’s “Where Is This” ahead of print publication: carolinacountry.com/register Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. The winner, chosen at random and announced in our October issue, will receive $25.
June’s answer
The June “Where Is This” photo by South River EMC member Dale Jarvis features historic Yates Mill on Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh, probably one of the most-photographed spots in southwestern Wake County. The restored 1756 gristmill still grinds wheat and corn, and the county park location has an easy trail to explore around the Yates Millpond. Visitors can learn more about the mill and its restoration at the visitor’s center and museum located inside the building, as well as at various interpretative exhibits within the 174-acre park. Reader Ann McConnell noted that her great uncle John Lea served as the last miller to operate the mill. The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Dora Mason of Linden, a South River EMC member.
Have a roadside gem you’d like to share? Submit a photo, plus a brief description and general location information, at carolinacountry.com/where.
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Zion McKnight
Larry & Joe
Larry & Joe were destined to make music together. Larry Bellorín hails from Monagas, Venezuela, and is a legend of Llanera music. Joe Troop is from Winston-Salem and is a Grammy-nominated bluegrass and old-time musician. Larry was forced into exile and is an asylum seeker in North Carolina. Joe, after a decade in South America, got stranded back in his stomping grounds during the pandemic. Larry works construction to make ends meet. Joe’s acclaimed “latingrass” band Che Apalache was forced into hiatus, and he shifted into action working with asylum-seeking migrants. This Durham-based duo performs a fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music on the harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, guitar, maracas, and upright bass to inspire joy and unity.
Digital Extra Learn more about Larry & Joe and listen to their version of the Venezuelan folk song “Caballo Viejo” at carolinacountry.com/music.
