Autumn is here. Despite the cooler weather, many of us are still enjoying time outside. Whether you find yourself cuddled up by a fire pit or planting colorful mums that brighten your day every time you pass them, fall home improvement projects may be something that you find on your mind lately. This season is when many of us decide to take the step and get some of those projects done, so we've gathered informative editorial that can assist in your decision making process if you decide to tackle one (or many)! Plus, don't miss local news throughout and a delicious recipe that football fans won't be able to resist.
“ I save 20% a month on my energy bills after upgrading my lighting and HVAC system.”
—
John Riley, Grasshopper’s Comics, Williston Park
John Riley loves comic books. And for the last 30 years, he’s been sharing that love with readers young and old at his shop in Williston Park. PSEG Long Island has been with him every step of the way. With $16,000 in rebates, John was able to switch to LED lighting and replace a leaking 50-year-old oil tank with a superefficient heat pump system.* These upgrades save him money that he reinvests in—you guessed it—more comic books. As it should be.
How can we support your small business? psegliny.com/businessfirst
*Rebates and savings will differ with every energy efficiency project.
The Most Popular Rooms To Remodel
Homeimprovement trends come and go. In a testament to that reality, the wildly popular open floor plan concepts that have dominated homeowners’ desires over the last decade-plus could be falling out of favor, a shift that Rachel Stults of Realtor.com linked to the COVID-19 pandemic in a 2023 interview with Business Insider. Stults noted open floor plans will likely exhibit some measure of staying power, but linked the shift toward more traditional layouts to COVID
lockdowns and the desire for more privacy among residents.
The shift away from open floor plans is a testament to the fleeting nature of home renovation trends. But trends still deserve a place at the table among real estate investors and homeowners who want to renovate their homes with an eye on projects that could be most appealing to prospective buyers. As homeowners balance their own preferences with those that might help them sell their homes down the road, they can consider this list of the most popular rooms to renovate, courtesy of the “2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study” from Houzz Research.
1. Kitchen
2. Guest bathroom
3. Primary bathroom
4. Living room
5. Guest bedroom
6. Primary bedroom
7. Laundry room
8. Closet
9. Dining room
10. Home office
When considering renovating these or other rooms, homeowners should know that Houzz researchers found that the median spend increased for most interior room upgrades compared to the previous year. However, the median cost to upgrade living rooms and home offices remained unchanged.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Renovations That Help Sell Homes
Theadage “there’s a lid for every pot” suggests that, even in relation to the real estate market, there’s bound to be a buyer for every home on the market. Price is a significant variable in the minds of potential buyers, but there are additional factors that can affect the impression people get of a given home. Certain home features can tip the scales in favor of sellers. In fact, various renovations can help sell homes more readily. And these renovations need not cost a fortune. Putting a home on the market can be stressful, but these renovations may help it sell fast.
• A fresh coat of paint: Although painting is relatively inexpensive and a job that some do-ityourselfers can tackle, it’s not a task relished by many. Painting is messy, it takes time, and requires moving furniture. In fact, prepping a room for painting often is the toughest component of any painting job. But fresh coats of paint can create a strong first impression. Choose a neutral color and get painting. Jennie Norris, chairwoman for the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, says gray is a “safe” color that has been trending in recent years.
• Minor bathroom remodel: Remove dated wall coverings, replace fixtures, consider re-glazing or replacing an old tub, and swap old shower doors for fast fixes in a bathroom. If there’s more room in the budget, replacing a tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures can cost roughly $10,500, says HGTV. You’ll recoup an average of $10,700 at resale, making a minor bathroom remodel a potentially worthy investment.
• Redone kitchen: The kitchen tends to be the hub of a home. This room gets the most usage and attention of any space, and it’s a great place to focus your remodeling attention. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry estimates that homeowners can recover up to 52 percent of the cost of a kitchen upgrade upon selling a home. Buyers want a functional and updated kitchen. Trending features include drawerstyle microwaves and dishwashers, commercial ranges, hidden outlets, and even wine refrigerators.
• Updated heating and cooling system: Better Homes and Gardens reports that homeowners may be able to recoup 85 percent of the cost of new HVAC systems when they sell their homes. Heating, cooling and ventilation components are vital to maintain. You don’t want buyers to be taken aback by an older system, and many millennial buyers are not willing to overlook old mechanical systems.
• Fresh landscaping: A home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. If they pull up to a home with eye-catching landscaping and outdoor areas that are attractive yet functional, they’re more likely to be intrigued. Often buyers will equate a home that features an impressive exterior with upkeep inside as well. The American Nursery Landscape Association says the average homeowner may spend $3,500 for landscaping.
Improving a home’s chances to sell quickly and at a higher price often comes down to making smart improvements that catch the eyes of buyers.
A Ghosts & Goblins
Day Of Family Fun To Be Held October 19th
TheTown of Smithtown Recreation Department will host the annual Ghosts and Goblins Day event on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 10AM to 12PM, rain or shine. The event will take place at Browns Road Park, in Nesconset. Ghosts and Goblins Day will feature a variety of fun entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, including pony rides, music, games, prizes, and a balloon artist. Costumes are encouraged. Admission for the festivities is free of charge.
“This is a spectacular event for the whole family. I look forward to bringing my grandkids to Ghosts & Goblins day every year. Our Recreation Department goes above and beyond to put together a fun fall day of family-oriented Halloween themed activities. I’d highly recommend anyone with younger kids, ages 5-8, mark your calendars to partake in this memorable annual event.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
Families attending the festivities are welcome to dress up in Halloween costumes. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted for the Smithtown Food Pantry. All donors will receive a raffle ticket for the prize raffle (must be present to win).
For more information on Ghosts and Goblins Day, contact the Recreation Department at (631)360-7644.
Browns Road Park is located at 76 Browns Road in Nesconset.
Did You Know?
It
is impossible to identify the first Halloween costume and which masks the earliest celebrants donned in efforts to keep away the evil spirits during Samhain, which historians believe is the Celtic precursor to Halloween. According to Lesley Bannatyne, an author who has written extensively about the history of Halloween, masks and coverups were designed to symbolize ghosts and the souls of the dead, first for Samhain and later for the custom of "souling," which was intended to cut back on pagan influences. Costumes of saints and evil spirits also were popular during this time. When immigrants brought Halloween customs to North America, early 20th century costumes featured much of the same - ghosts and ghouls. It wasn't until the 1920s and 1930s that pop culture began to infiltrate costumes. In fact, one of the first costume companies, J. Halpern Company, began licensing pop culture images like Mickey Mouse and Popeye around this time. By the 1960s, costumes were largely store-bought, spurring entire industries. Many 1980s kids recall buying boxed costumes that consisted of rigid plastic masks with eye holes (and very small holes by the mouth and nose) that stayed in place with thin elastic straps, and a plastic sheeting costume that went over clothes. Modern costumes have evolved into outfits that are far more complex.
Factors To Consider Before Renovating A Driveway
Driveways
are oftenoverlooked components of home exteriors, but driveways provide functionality and points of egress to a home. Industry experts estimate that a new driveway costs between $5,000 and $7,000, though the price will vary based on the materials homeowners choose and the square footage of the driveway. When deciding
whether or not to renovate their driveways, homeowners can review these considerations.
Materials
Driveways can be made from a variety of materials, even grass or soil. The following are some driveway materials homeowners may choose from:
• Gravel
• Chip seal
demolished and removed. The ground underneath typically is smoothed and tamped down. Substrate or wire mesh also may be installed. After the new material is laid, there may be a period of time for settling and curing, during which use of the driveway is prohibited.
DIY Or Professional?
While sealing and minor repairs generally can be handled by a homeowner who has researched the process, large repairs or driveway replacements should be left to professionals for the best results. Driveway slope needs to be considered for proper rain runoff, and the professional will understand the thickness and preparatory steps necessary to ensure driveway durability. Installation of a heated driveway requires a specific skill set and this is a job best left to professional driveway contractors.
• Concrete
• Asphalt
• Rubber
• Exposed aggregate
• Pavers
• Permeable pavers
• Heated
Repair Or Replace?
Nearly any size crack can be patched with concrete or cold-patch asphalt, or specialty materials, according to This Old House, an online home improvement resource. Repairing and resealing a driveway can help prolong its longevity. Plus, this is a more cost-effective option for homeowners on a budget who want to improve curb appeal and safety. Large holes or unsightly damage may require a driveway replacement. This also will be the case if a homeowner hopes to expand the driveway. Replacing a driveway requires a time commitment. The existing driveway needs to be
Driveway Enhancements
The options do not end with the driveway material. There are other ways to boost aesthetics.
• Illumination: Homeowners can install recessed LED lights into the driveway to define the edges and add aesthetic appeal.
• Stamped texture: Homeowners opting for the affordability of concrete can ask for a stamped design that mimics the look of stone or pavers.
• Gates: One doesn’t have to live in an exclusive community to have their property enhanced by gates. Gates can give a home a distinguished look.
• Edging: Driveways can be edged with another material to create definition between the driveway and lawn or to provide the perfect spots to plant beds.
RESTAURANT & CATERING HALL
512 Pulaski Street, Riverhead, NY
631.727.4449
www.thebirchwoodofpolishtown.com
November 28th 2024
Thanksgiving Buffet
“Voted Best Thanksgiving Buffet in Riverhead”
Carving Station- Oven Roasted TenderTom Turkey, Slow Roasted Beef Served with Au Jus, Stuffed Loin of Pork- with Proscuitto, Fresch Apples, Fontin Cheese, with a Pan Gravy and Honey Glazed Baked Ham with Fresh Candied Pineapple
Seating Times 11:00am to 7:00pm Each Seating 2 Hours, Strictly Enforced
Please Arrive Promptly, Reservations Only!
Call The Holiday Reservation Desk (631) 727-4449 Ext.4
Adults $69.95 Plus Tax, Plus 24% Service Charge
Children Ages 3-12 $29.95, Plus Tax, Plus 24% Service Charge
(Kids Under 2 are Free)
Listed Above is Cash Price, Using Credit Cards will Accrue Fee
Thanksgiving Day Drink Specials $5.00 Draft Beers and $5.00 Wines
How DIY Can Be Bad For Homeowners’ Bottom Lines
Homeowners know it can be tempting to go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route when starting a home improvement project. Home repairs and renovations can be costly, and the notion of saving money on such projects compels many homeowners to try their hand at home improvements. However, the DIY approach can be costly as well, and if things go awry, homeowners may end up with empty pockets and unfinished projects. Online tutorials and advertisements for home improvement retailers can make DIY seem like a snap. However, there are potential pitfalls to consider that could make the ostensibly less expensive DIY route far more detrimental to the bottom
line than homeowners may recognize.
• Permits: Permits ensure work is done in accordance with local codes, which are designed to ensure the safety of residents and their neighbors. Licensed contractors know which permits are necessary for projects they’re hired to work on, and many even procure permits for their clients (homeowners are urged to read estimates and contracts to determine who will be responsible for acquiring the appropriate permits). DIYers may not know about local permits, and therefore go ahead with projects without procuring any. That can be
order to complete projects on their own. Ancillary costs include but are not limited to the price of tools and equipment; disposal fees for materials that will need to be discarded; and the cost of permits. These costs are often included in estimates provided by contractors, but they’re easily overlooked by novice DIYers.
harmful in the short- and long-term. In the short-term, a failure to procure the appropriate permits can make a home less safe and potentially lead to costly fines and necessitate a complete do-over of the project. In the long-term, homeowners who did not secure the appropriate permits may not be given a certificate of occupancy (CO) when putting their homes on the market, which can make it very difficult to sell the home.
• Ancillary costs: The ancillary costs of DIY are not often noted in online tutorials. However, such costs can dramatically increase the amount of money DIYers shell out in
• Repairs: Even experienced contractors make mistakes, so DIYers, particularly novices, can anticipate making a few errors along the way. Minor mistakes may not prove too costly, but more significant mishaps can quickly negate any cost savings associated with DIY renovations. The cost to fix DIY mistakes varies depending on the project, but a 2019 survey from Porch.com found that the average DIY mistake cost homeowners $310 and added five and a half hours to the overall time spent to complete a project. It’s worth noting the Porch.com survey was conducted prior to the dramatic increase in materials costs related to inflation in recent years. So it’s reasonable to assume that fixing DIY mistakes in 2024 could end up costing considerably more than a few hundred dollars.
Before diving in to DIY, homeowners may want to consider the real costs associated with forgoing professional experience in the potentially misplaced hopes of saving a few dollars.
The Top Ten Most Popular Projects
renovations can improve a home in many different ways. Modifications to kitchens and bathrooms have long been popular projects, but are they the most popular renovations? According to data from Realm, which analyzed the top 10 most popular projects from roughly 2.8 million listings and permit filings in the United States, certain projects are more popular than others. Nationally, the most common home renovations include interior painting, exterior painting, finishing a basement, installing or replacing windows, and bathroom remodeling. Houzz polls have unveiled that renovating kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and porches, balcony and deck projects are among the most popular.
Did You Know?
Parents who want to encourage their children to volunteer may find their efforts at doing so are more convincing if they volunteer themselves. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence examined the effects that parents who volunteer and talk about volunteering have on children. Researchers found that the children of volunteers were 27 percent more likely to volunteer than children whose parents did not volunteer. In addition, adolescents were 47 percent more likely to volunteer when their parents volunteered and talked about volunteering with their children.
Three prizes will be awarded, one for each age group. Just mail or drop off your entry by 4 pm on Thursday October 24, 2024 at the Howard Hanna Coach Realtors Office, 212 Commack Road, Commack, NY 11725. Winners will be notified by Friday October 25, 2024.
What To Do This Fall To Prepare Your Garden For Next Spring
Gardens provide an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In fact, many gardening enthusiasts typically cannot wait for the spring thaw so they can spend the next several months tending to their plants under the warm sun. But a gardener’s work is never truly done, and the work to make gardens stun in the spring actually begins during the preceding fall.
Preparing gardens for winter is an important step that can help homeowners ensure their gardens return to full strength in the spring. The tasks necessary to prepare gardens for winter may depend on what homeowners are planting, but the following are some general maintenance suggestions that can keep gardens safe this winter.
is exposed, add a layer of compost, leaves, aged manure, and, if necessary, lime, gently tilling it into the soil. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the only accurate way to determine if lawn or garden soil needs lime is to test it. Lime makes soil less acidic and reduces soil pH. Low soil pH makes it hard for certain plants to grow, but acidic soil is ideal when growing blueberries. Test the soil for lime and amend it depending on what you hope to grow in the spring so it’s ready to thrive when winter ends.
• Remove dead or diseased plants. Dead or diseased plants should not be left in the garden through the winter. These plants can attract insects and are vulnerable to disease, which can make it hard for
the garden to thrive in the spring.
• Protect fruit trees. If you have fruit trees, install mouse guards around the base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mice and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees, killing the trees as a result. The Farmer’s Almanac notes that mouse guards made of fine mesh hardware cloth can effectively protect fruit trees from hungry mice and voles over the winter.
A gardener’s work is never done, and the work to create beautiful spring gardens begins in the fall.
• Remove weeds and debris. Weeds and debris are unsightly and detrimental to plant life in spring, but they also can be harmful in the winter. Weeds and debris left to linger in gardens through the winter provide overwintering spots for insects and can contribute to disease. So it’s imperative that weeds and debris are removed before the ground hardens in winter. Don’t wait until the ground hardens, as that can make it hard to remove the roots of weeds, adversely affecting the garden as a result.
• Prepare the soil. The Farmer’s Almanac advises homeowners to gently till the soil in their gardens so they can expose any insects before they settle in for the winter. Once garden soil
Curb Appeal
Ajoint study from researchers at the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington found that curb appeal can have a significant impact when selling a home. That study, which examined Google Street View photos and sales data from more than 88,000 properties, found that homes with high curb appeal sold for an average of 7 percent
more than similar homes with less inviting exteriors. The study also revealed that in slow markets with greater housing inventory, homes with high curb appeal sold for as much as 14 percent more than homes with uninviting exteriors. Homes defined as having high curb appeal for the study included those with features including well-maintained lawns and professional landscaping.
Birthdays Of Members Ranging From 90 Years To 103 Celebrated
OnWednesday, September 18th, Smithtown residents celebrating birthdays ranging from 90 years to 103, enjoyed a very memorable lunch in honor of their years enriching the community, family and friends. The 90th birthday celebration is an annual catered lunch and ceremony held at the Smithtown Senior Center, which has become a favorite among the staff, and elected officials and current members. The annual birthday party is open to residents who are members of the Smithtown Senior Center.
“The 90th and Over Celebration is a wonderful tradition honoring our Senior Citizens Center members who are reaching extraordinary milestones. Wednesday’s joyous occasion was a special day filled with friendship, laughter, wisdom, and longevity. I’d like to commend Doreen Perrino and the incredible team at the Senior Citizen Center for their dedication to creating cherished memories for Smithtown’s eldest and wisest residents. On behalf of the Town of Smithtown, I’d like to formally wish all of our residents who are celebrating these milestone birthdays a very blessed, healthy and happy year ahead.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
With over 82 Smithtown Seniors celebrating turning 90 years and upward in person, Elvira Gomez, Ellen Quinn, and Elizabeth Silvestri had one hundred candles to blow out. Florence Cash surpassed a century on earth, celebrating 101 years with family and friends. The lovely Margaret Holthusen and Sarah Perillo celebrated their 102nd birthday, and the remarkable Janet DeVries and Rita Maffe celebrated 103! These extraordinary ladies shared their secrets to living well, which included laughing often, not sweating the small stuff, appreciating life's little moments, and always looking your best to go anywhere in public.
“This event holds a special place in the hearts of all of us here
at the Senior Citizens Department. We look forward to hosting this special afternoon, which our seniors enjoy immensely. It’s an opportunity to honor them, hear some of their stories, present them with a personalized certificate and let them know they’re appreciated! This year’s event included three seniors turning 100, one turning 101, two turning 102 and two turning 103 – truly amazing, we’re already making plans for next year’s event!”- Doreen Perrino, Smithtown Senior Citizens Department Program Director
The birthday celebration was catered by Napper Tandy’s in Smithtown. Guests were offered an entree choice of meatloaf or roast turkey, both accompanied by gravy, mashed potatoes and vegetables, and a delicious lemon cake for dessert. All dietary restrictions were taken into account prior to serving lunch.
The Smithtown Senior Citizens Department serves to elevate the social, emotional, and physical well-being for independent senior citizens within the Township, through access to a variety of services, activities and community resources. The Center is open to all Smithtown residents 60 years of age and older. No fee is required to join. To learn more visit: Smithtownny. gov/193/Senior-Citizens-Department or call (631) 360-7616
Treat Fellow Football Fans To Slow-Cooked Ribs And Homemade Sauce
Football and food go are a perfect and popular pairing. Though fans may not need to eat while watching their favorite team play, adding food to the football festivities certainly makes fall weekends more enjoyable. Few fans will turn down a plate of wings or walk away from a tray of nachos during football season, but fans hosting game watch parties at home can go beyond the norm and offer additional fare that’s sure to please a crowd. For instance, the following recipe for “Baby Back Ribs” with homemade “Kansas CityStyle Barbecue Sauce” from Will Budiaman’s “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) will make sure fans go home with full bellies this football season.
Baby Back Ribs
Serves 4
4 2- to 21⁄2-lb. racks baby back ribs
3 tablespoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
2⁄3 cup Kansas City-style Barbecue Sauce (see below)
Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce
Makes about 1 1⁄2 cups
1 cup ketchup
1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons unsulfured blackstrap molasses
6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Baby Back Ribs Directions:
1. Trim any hanging fat off the ribs. Season with the salt and pepper on both sides. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the grill for smoking at 225 F to 275 F.
3. Place the ribs meat-side up on the grate over the drip pan. Close the lid. If desired, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil after 1 hour 30 minutes or once the bark (crust) is reddish brown.
4. Turn over the ribs, close the lid, and continue cooking for 1 hour 30 minutes more, or until the ribs pull apart with a gentle tug.
5. Remove the foil (if using), baste the ribs with the sauce, close the lid, and cook meat-side up for 10 more minutes or until the sauce is set. Serve immediately.
Cooking tip: The back of pork ribs is covered with a membrane that some pitmasters say prevents the meat from absorbing the smoke, but this is a myth. Many don’t bother removing it, and leaving it on helps keep the ribs from falling apart when you move them.
Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, vinegar Worcestershire sauce, molasses and sugar until smooth.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or until golden.
4. Add the salt, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 10 seconds or until fragrant.
5. Stir in the ketchup mixture. Bring to a simmer and let simmer for about 1 minute or until the flavors meld.
6. Let cool and refrigerate overnight before using to let the flavors develop.
Long Islanders Donate
25,000
Meals
PSEG
Long Island thanks generous Long Islanders for helping make its fourth annual PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island initiative another success. In the seven collection events that took place from Memorial Day through the end of September, the equivalent of 25,000 meals was collected for Island Harvest Food Bank and distributed to members of the community through local food pantries and soup kitchens. In the past four years, this initiative has collected and distributed the equivalent of nearly 130,000 meals to people on Long Island struggling with food insecurity.
“We are grateful to the people of Long Island for their kindness and compassion in supporting PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island food collection initiative this year,” said David Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island. “In each community we visited, we met wonderful people with a genuine desire to help their
neighbors in need. Our employees stepped up once again by donating more than 650 pounds of food, which equates to more than 550 meals, and volunteering at the collection events throughout the summer. This is one of the ways PSEG Long Island supports our community, along with providing safe and reliable power.”
Breaking down the results, 14,736 pounds of food was collected at the seven sites, along with $6,350 collected online and in cash donations and gift cards.
“PSEG Long Island’s continued support of Island Harvest’s efforts in addressing the needs of people who are food insecure once again proves that partnerships between companies and nonprofits are indeed making a difference in the lives of our neighbors faced with uncertainty,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO, Island Harvest. “We are grateful to the PSEG Long Island employees who worked so hard to make Power to Feed Long Island a success, and we extend our thanks to our longtime partner Stop & Shop for hosting the food drives, and of course, special thanks to the numerous Long Islanders for their generosity too.”
“Stop & Shop is proud to support Island Harvest in their mission to combat food insecurity across Long Island,” said Daniel Wolk, external communications manager, Stop & Shop. “PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed food drives held at Stop & Shop locations across Nassau and Suffolk were a great success and will help our neighbors in need. We want to thank our caring customers for their support and donations to this important initiative, as we work together to fight hunger and help our local community members.”
Power to Feed Long Island was created by PSEG Long Island in 2021 to raise awareness about the issue of food insecurity on Long Island and to provide the public with venues where they live and work to donate food and personal care items to their neighbors. Food collection events were held at seven Stop & Shop supermarkets this year ─ in Carle Place, East Northport, Levittown, Massapequa, Oceanside, South Setauket and West Babylon ─ from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September.
PSEG Long Island created this event during the pandemic and continued to hold events each summer because the need continues to be great. Summer is a difficult time of year for food banks, pantries and programs because vacations cause a decrease in donations and collection drives are not as prevalent. It is also a time when children out of school are not receiving daily free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch, which puts a heavier burden on their families.
Serve Up This Plant-Based App To Vegan Guests
Welcoming
Pâté-Stuffed Mushrooms
Makes 8 to 10 mushrooms
8 ounces medium cremini mushrooms (with caps larger than a silver dollar), stems removed and reserved for pâté
1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar
1⁄4 cup avocado oil
Pinch salt
Pâté
1 cup walnuts, toasted
Stems from 8 ounces medium cremini mushrooms, roasted
1⁄4 white onion
4 garlic cloves
1⁄2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1⁄8 teaspoon lemon zest
Pinch nutmeg powder
Pinch salt
Pinch black pepper
1 tablespoon tamari or soy-free sauce
guests into your home for a special occasion often involves crafting an entertaining menu that will appeal to the masses. However, it also is essential to have options for those who may have dietary restrictions. Vegan diets are surging in popularity as health concerns, climate change and animal welfare are driving many people to turn to plantbased diets. It stands to reason that someone who has adopted a vegan lifestyle may be coming to dinner sometime soon, and it is important to offer foods such guests can enjoy. This recipe for “Pâté-Stuffed Mushrooms,” from “Plant-Based Gourmet” (Apollo Publishers) by Chef Suzi Gerber can be served as a tasty appetizer or even serve as a plant-based main course.
Directions:
1. Combine the mushrooms with the balsamic vinegar, avocado oil and salt in a zip-top bag; seal, and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350 F.
3. Combine all the pâté ingredients in a food processor and process until all ingredients reach a consistent small dice, the size of coarse sea salt.
4. Place the mushrooms open side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 12 minutes, flipping after 8 minutes.
5. To serve the pâté warm, remove the mushrooms, fill with the pâté, and return to the warm oven for 2 to 4 minutes; otherwise, let the mushrooms cool, then fill with the pâté and serve at room temperature.
Get Into The Spooky Spirit This Halloween
Halloween is a time when the line between having fun and being scared is easily blurred. While trickor-treating and attending parties are ways to enjoy the final day of October, there are plenty of other ways to make Halloween more fun.
• Host a Halloween book club. Those who love to read can ensure the October gathering of a book club is one that features a discussion of a scary book. Those looking for a scare can explore horror authors like Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, and Tananarive Due.
• Go pumpkin picking. Most people already make pumpkin picking an annual treat. Don’t overlook mishappen pumpkins that can be carved into spooky jack-o’-lanterns. Also, enhance Halloween decor with pitted and warty gourds that lend that scary appeal.
• Create a haunted house. Instead of going elsewhere to get chills and thrills, transform your house or yard into a spooktacular vision and invite neighbors to explore.
• Make creepy crafts. Children can get a kick out of crafting Halloween decorations. Drape a piece of muslin over a beverage bottle and spray it with laundry starch. Let sit and the muslin will stiffen when it dries. Paint on black circles for eyes and hang your “ghost” from a string.
• Whip up Halloween treats. Candied apples, extra-rich brownies and mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls to look like mummies are just some of the ways to create a
scary Halloween feast.
• Have a costume theme. Everyone in the household can get in on the fun by planning costumes to fit a theme. For example, everyone can dress like the Addams family.
• Read some scary stories. There’s something to be said about reading scary stories or poems on Halloween. Readers’ imaginations take over on Halloween as they envision scary characters and scenarios. Edgar Allen Poe, author of many notably macabre works, is a popular read come Halloween.
• Host an outdoor movie. Projectors can now be hooked up to smartphones and tablets, so it’s easier than ever to watch movies outside. Simply project a device onto a screen, white fence or even a bedsheet. Since it gets dark somewhat early in October, the movie doesn’t have to start very late. Depending on the audience, choose a movie that is very scary or only mildly so if children will be viewing.
• Organize a Halloween treat exchange. Similar to a Christmas “Secret Santa,” participants put together a wrapped gift of homemade or store-bought foods and exchange with others.
