Summer Seasons 2024 - Edition Five

best in new & independent film from around

“We are massive fans of Stony Brook Film Festival... they're brilliant and have nothing but heartwarming stories to tell. A reasonably priced, well-communicated festival with a stellar line-up. Carry on being awesome!”

- Festival Formula, Ltd.

REVIEWS

“You run a helluva festival at Stony Brook. When there is such a passion as you engender, you cannot but be affected by it.”

- Brian Cox

“Stony Brook Film Festival is an incredibly well-curated and intelligent Festival. Supremely well-run and organized, each film is shown once in a giant, state-of-the-art theater to a routinely packed crowd... Don't miss this festival!”

- Todd Wider

@stallercenter Follow

SCHEDULE

JULY 18 - 27

S) SHORT F) FEATURE

PLEASE NOTE: Shorts play first at screening times. Running times are in parentheses. Later movie start times are approximate as Q&A sessions may delay the start of the following films.

THURS 7/18

OPENING NIGHT

7:00 pm

S) Chauncey (11) F) The Blond Boy from the Casbah (126) OPENING PARTY

FRI 7/19

7:00 pm

S) Iron Lung (12) F) The Queen of My Dreams (97)

9:30 pm

S) Detox (9)

F) Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (90)

SAT 7/20

7:00 pm

S) The Hope Chest Has a Secret Drawer (15)

F) The Strangers' Case (103)

9:30 pm

S) Two Cents & A Footlong (11) F) Take a Chance on Me (104)

SUN 7/21

7:00 pm

S) The Grievance (8) F) SPECIAL SNEAK PREVIEW (116)

9:30 pm

S) Revived (16) F) Month to Month (88)

MON 7/22

7:00 pm

S) Where We Belong (15) F) Marguerite's Theorem (112)

9:30 pm

S) In the Night (13) F) Excursion (93)

TUES 7/23

7:00 pm

S) Split Ends (14) F) Free Money (104)

9:30 pm

S) Where Do Ants Sleep at Night (20) F) A Fantastic Relationship (87)

WED 7/24

7:00 pm

S) exuvia (12) F) Mediha (90)

9:30 pm

S) [subtext] (11) F) Running on Sand (104)

THURS 7/25

7:00 pm

S) Mimesis (20) F) Mastergame (91)

9:30 pm

S) Bible Camp (13) F) Daughter of the Sun (108)

7:00 pm

S) The Overlook (19) F) After the Fire (98) 9:30 pm

S) On the paths awakened (13) F) A Real Job (102)

CLOSING NIGHT

7:00 pm

S) If (26) F) One Million Minutes (124) 9:30 pm Closing Night Awards CLOSING PARTY

It's June and summer will be here before we know it! We've gathered local day-trip suggestions, a list of summer concerts you won't want to miss and much more. Whether you're busy planning a graduation party, searching for the perfect Father's Day gift or planning a family getaway, we hope you find time to flip through these pages and enjoy our Summer Issue. Looking to advertise? Seasons® Magazine is published ten times a year in print and online. Contact us for more information today.

Pasta

Baked Ziti

Salads

Heros

Italian Hero

ham, salami, provolone, ham cappi, pepperoni, lettuce tomatoes, red onions

American Hero (+5/ft (+5.20/ft))

roast beef, turkey, ham, american cheese, lettuce, tomatoes

Sausage & Peppers

Chicken Parmigiana ((+5/ft (+5.20/ft))

Meatball Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana

Grilled Chicken ((+4/ft (+4.16/ft))

broccoli rabe, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella

Grilled Vegetables ((+4/ft (+4.16/ft))

baby eggplant, zucchini, onions, carrots, broccoli rabe, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella

Enjoy Summer On Long Island

From its pristine white sand beaches to award-winning vineyards, Long Island is truly an unforgettable destination for many. However, for us it’s home! Whether or not you’ve already planned to head on a summer vacation elsewhere, consider taking some time away from the hustle and bustle of work to enjoy all our island has to offer with your loved ones this season. Read on for a variety of local day-trip ideas!

Explore The Gold Coast

Our Gold Coast is home to mansions and castles and has served as the backdrop for countless Hollywood productions. Many of these mansions are open for tours and allow guests to stay overnight, and there is plenty more to see and do nearby.

Suggested Stops: Cafe In The Woods at Old Westbury Gardens, Oheka Castle & Planting Fields Arboretum

Forget Your Problems On Fire Island

Fire Island is the famed car-free beach haven. The 32-mile-long barrier island is only about a mile wide and features 17 communities. It's best known for its serene beaches, but it really does boast a large amount of attractions.

Suggested Stops: Davis Park, Kismet Beach, Hideaway Restaurant

Unwind On The North Fork

The North Fork is home to vast farmlands, over 60 wineries, charming towns and much more. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and romantic retreat or a spot the whole family will enjoy, look no further!

Suggested Stops: Sound View, Sang Lee Farms, Lenz Winery

Fall In Love With The Hamptons & Montauk

The Hamptons exude luxury and Montauk is a haven of fishing and surfing, but both destinations are unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to stroll down a picturesque Main Street, enjoy the beauty of nature or experience gourmet dining, you should head to the South Fork.

Suggested Stops: Topping Rose House, Coopers Beach, Southampton Village

Helpful Tips To Keep Your Grill Clean

Millions of people across the globe have a passion for grilling. Cooking over an open flame imparts a unique flavor to a variety of foods, and that profile can be augmented with marinades, wood chips and a host of other tweaks that help to create a delicious finished product.

Though many people grill throughout the year, this particular method of cooking is most popular in summer, when welcoming temperatures compel cooks to prepare meals outdoors. As grilling season kicks into high gear, grillmasters can embrace these strategies to ensure their grills remain clean.

· Oil the grates before

cooking. A light coating of oil brushed onto the grill grates prior to cooking can reduce the likelihood that food sticks to the grill while it's being cooked. Food stuck to a grill can be difficult to remove, but the oil can reduce the likelihood that ground beef from burgers or chicken breasts will stick to the cooking surface.

· Use the right tools. Steel grill brushes are popular, but these cleaning tools can be unsafe. Steel brush bristles can break off during vigorous cleaning sessions, and they may get stuck on the grill during the cleaning process. If stuck on the grill, steel bristles can easily attach to food. The cooking experts at Epicurious note that steel brush bristles can cause throat and/

or abdominal issues if consumed. Alternatives to steel bristle grill brushes are widely available, but grillmasters should know that some, including nylon brushes, should not be applied to a grill until its grates have cooled off.

· Clean after each use.

Once food is cooked, cooks' minds immediately shift to eating. But cleaning a grill immediately after each use can make it easier to remove all the debris that can gather as foods cook. Fat, grease, melted cheese, marinades, and other substances can accumulate on the grill over time. Though grillmasters can eat before cleaning their grills, keep the fire going until after eating (vents can be slightly closed to reduce the heat somewhat), then scrape food and other debris off the grill. Grates that are still warm are easier to clean, but use heatproof grilling gloves when cleaning warm or hot grates to reduce burn risk.

· Clean all components. Grease traps, ash pans and the interior of the grill, including its sides and the inside of lids, can be periodically cleaned to reduce grease buildup and the risk of exposure to germs.

Outdoor Activities

Ideal For Summertime

GeorgeGershwin’s song “Summertime,” from “Porgy and Bess,” offers: Summertime and the livin’ is easy Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high Summer can be a magical season full of fresh air, warm days and nights, blooming flowers, and plenty of opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors. There are so many ways to fill summer days, and people are urged to maximize time spent outdoors during this time of year. Since the sun’s rays can be particularly harmful between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., protective clothing and sunscreen is

beginners, and then build up the length and intensity of rides as experience is gained.

• Day at the beach: Some attest there is no more perfect place than the beach on a summer day. The waves lapping the sand, the birds calling in the air, and the sounds of children’s laughter and sunbathers’ chatter all combine to create a relaxing seaside symphony. According to WebMD, the negative ions given off by the ocean can improve mood and add to the calming effect the beach provides.

• Walk a boardwalk: Those lucky to live near a coast can spend an afternoon or evening strolling the boardwalk, enjoying the various fare and fun activities offered. Many boardwalks have games of chance and small rides for kids. Adults may enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops. Of course, no trip to a boardwalk is complete without coming home with some saltwater taffy.

recommended during this time; otherwise, people can engage in outdoor activities during times when the sun is less potent.

Those seeking some summertime recreation inspiration can consider these activities.

• Family bike ride: Explore trails or bike paths in the area in advance, and then prepare bikes for an excursion. Bicycle riding is a great cardiovascular activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. Try flat paths for

• Backyard obstacle course: Construct an obstacle course in the backyard that everyone can try. It can include having to jump through tires; climb a jungle gym; run through a sprinkler; and crawl under a low-hung clothesline. Family members can compete to see who can finish the course in the least amount of time.

• Hike: In a survey of Americans 18 and older conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association, nearly 50 percent said going for a walk or hike was their favorite outdoor summer activity. Hiking requires very little to get started and can produce numerous opportunities to witness nature and get some exercise.

There’s no limit to the ways people can enjoy the great outdoors when the weather warms up.

4th is a day when Americans celebrate their independence, but it's also a day to commemorate two men who played vital roles in procuring that independence. Both John Adams, the second President of the United States, and his successor Thomas Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826. The two men had an interesting relationship that became increasingly complex as the nation they helped to found developed. According to History.com, Adams and Jefferson were confidantes in the 1780s, but as time wore on, each man developed a different view of what the United States government should be, creating a rift in their relationship that was only widened by the 1800 presidential election. The men ran against each other in that election, which is still considered one of the more contentious elections in American history. Jefferson ultimately claimed victory, a result so unnerving to Adams that he left Washington, D.C. prior to Jefferson's inauguration. The two men would ultimately reconcile, exchanging more than 150 letters before dying within hours of one another on Independence Day in 1826.

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• New, Reconditioned & Rentals

• Over 20 Years Serving The New York Tristate Area

Neighborhood News: PSEG Foundation Accepting Applications For 10th Annual Neighborhood Partners Program

Ina continued effort to sustain community partnerships and encourage local ingenuity, the PSEG Foundation is opening applications for the 10th year of its annual Neighborhood Partners Program (NPP). The Foundation is proud to announce a total of $1.2 million in grant funds available for eligible 501(c) (3) organizations, marking a 20% increase from last year's $1 million. Eligible nonprofit organizations must submit applications by June 30, 2024. Grants ranging from approximately $500 to $15,000 will be awarded.

Since its inception, the PSEG Foundation has donated more than $6.7 million to 390 organizations. This year, the Foundation aims to boost applications from organizations championing environmental sustainability and social justice. Awardees will be selected based on

demonstrated program effectiveness, depth, breadth, and overall alignment with the PSEG Foundation strategic pillars: environmental sustainability, social justice, and equity and economic empowerment.

“As the Neighborhood Partners Program celebrates a decade of impact, the PSEG Foundation has been purposeful about resourcing nonprofits with the fundamental needs that build strong, resilient and sustainable communities,” said Calvin Ledford Jr., president of the PSEG Foundation.

“In collaboration with our nonprofit partners, we are advancing towards a future where all people progress while also preserving the environment for future generations.”

Eligible organizations can submit applications here: https://www.

cybergrants.com/pseg/ FoundationNPP_2024

Cathedral Kitchen, one of last year’s awardees, serves more than 100,000 meals each year to its local community of Camden, New Jersey. With the support of the NPP funding, it was able to create long-term employment opportunities through its Culinary Arts Job Training Program. This program offers a free 15week course, training students in basic culinary skills and essential cooking methods, and also provides certification in ServSafe food safety and sanitation.

"Cathedral Kitchen is grateful for the generous support from the PSEG Foundation,” said Carrie Kitchen-Santiago, executive director. “The Foundation’s commitment to our Culinary Arts Job Training Program provides unemployed and

underemployed individuals with the opportunity to build meaningful careers and transform their lives and their families’ lives, while positively impacting our community.”

NPP also provided funding for the Newark Community Street Team.

"The Newark Community Street Team reduces violence in many ways, one of which is bringing healing and beauty to the neighborhood we serve,” said Aqeela Sherrills, NCST's co-founder and board chair. “We have just finished construction on our Trauma Recovery Center and the $11,000 we received from the Neighborhood Partners Program since 2011 is supporting the development of a Healing Garden on the grounds. We appreciate the support."

The PSEG Foundation provides NPP grants and other support to organizations that meet its strategic pillars.

“We are grateful for the over 20 years of support Great Swamp Watershed Association has received from the PSEG Foundation, “ said GSWA Executive Director Sally Rubin. “The Foundation support was indeed the ‘foundation’ of our extraordinary environmental education program. We now educate over 2,500 students as well as over 2,000 adults annually. It is through generous partners like PSEG that we can all truly make a difference in our communities.”

NPP grant award recipients will be notified from September to November 2024. For more information about the PSEG Foundation and its programs, please visit PSEG’s website.

Shrimp Dish

Tailor-Made

For Warm Evenings

Lighterfare is more popular when the weather warms up, as many people don’t want to feel weighed down by their diet. Fish is a popular summertime meal for many reasons, not the least of which is that fish tends to be light but still flavorful. In addition, many meals featuring fish can be whipped up rather quickly. Such is the case with the following recipe for “Grilled Garlic Shrimp With a Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce” from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook” (Storey Publishing). Fresh and simple, this meal can be enjoyed as a change of pace at summer barbecues or simply as a light weeknight meal with the family.

Grilled Garlic Shrimp

With A Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce

Serves 6

For the marinated shrimp

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 garlic cloves, minced

36 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

12 6-inch wooden skewers

For the tomato sauce

3 pounds assorted large heirloom tomatoes

1 small sweet onion, minced

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon honey, preferably sourwood honey

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips (chiffonade is the formal name for this cut), plus more for garnish

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. To marinate the shrimp, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar and garlic in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Add the shrimp and allow to sit, covered, for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.

2. Prepare a medium fire in a charcoal or gas grill. Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

3. To make the tomato sauce, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Place one or two tomatoes at a time into the boiling water. Watch them and, as you see the skin split, remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of cool water. At this point, it will be very easy to slip off the skins.

4. Cut the peeled tomatoes into a small dice. Put the cut tomatoes into a large bowl. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey. Stir gently to combine.

5. Skewer the shrimp, 3 per skewer. Grill the skewered shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they are pink. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and a couple grinds of fresh pepper.

6. Just before serving, add the basil leaves to the tomato sauce. Taste and add more salt if necessary.

7. Ladle the tomato sauce onto a serving platter and arrange the skewers on top of the sauce. Garnish with more basil leaves and enjoy!

Great Grilling Gifts For Dad

Grillingis a convenient way to impart flavor on various foods and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine along the way. Many people work hard to hone their grilling skills, including many of the individuals on Father’s Day shopping lists. Grilling is an opportunity for dads to flex their culinary muscles and deliver plenty of flamelicked foods. Various organizations that specialize in grilling have found that men are twice as likely to grill compared to women. Therefore, gifts that cater to dads’ grilling gusto can be ideal this Father’s Day.

• BBQ grill tools: Every

grillmaster needs a quality set of tools to do the job. Ultimate grilling kits often come complete with spatula, fork, tongs, heatresistant gloves, skewers, and additional grilling gear.

• Digital food thermometer: Cooking food to the correct internal temperature is vital for safety and flavor. Various food thermometers are on the market, but ones that can remain in the food and then send temperatures back to an app via Bluetooth can keep grillers apprised of the cooking progress minute-by-minute.

• Engraved cutting board: Laser-engraved cutting boards can be customized with special messages or monograms so that Dad will feel extra-special serving up his grilled feast.

• Premium wood chunks: Foods can be enhanced with extra flavor when grillmasters utilize wood during cooking. Put together a gift package with woods like hickory, apple and maple.

• Smoker: Expand Dad’s outdoor setup by buying him a smoker. Smokers enable low-and-slow cooking and are ideal for making briskets, pork roasts and ribs. Some smokers come as combination models that have a grill on one side and a smoker box on the other.

• Meat grinder: Whether it’s a free-standing appliance or an attachment for a stand mixer, a meat grinder enables a person to make his own custom blends of ground meats to use in burgers or sausages. This allows full control over the quality of the meat cuts used.

• Personalized grill mat: This type of mat will add a personal touch to the grilling area. These mats look good, and many are made with anti-slip backing to ensure they stay in place. Standing on the mat can be more comfortable than standing on concrete or pavers.

RELAX & UNWIND AT THESE SUMMER CONCERTS

Curated by Natalie Raccuglia

As the temperature rises, so does the excitement for this summer’s concert lineup. From iconic venues to scenic outdoor stages, music lovers can look forward to an array of performances this season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun way to spend a summer evening, these are concerts you won’t want to miss!

JUNE 25

Who: Justin Timberlake The Forget Tomorrow Tour

Where: Madison Square Garden When: 8PM www.msg.com

JULY 3

Who: Maroon 5 & Maren Morris

Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

When: 7:30PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

JULY 9

Who: Dave Mathews Band

Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

When: 7:30PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

JULY 17 & 19

Who: Foo Fighters

Where: Citi Field

When: 5:30PM www.mlb.com/mets

JULY 21

Who: blink-182

Where: Citi Field

When: 7PM www.mlb.com/mets

JULY 31

Who: Elevation Worship

Where: Central Park, Rumsey Playfield When: 7:30PM www.elevationworship.com

JULY 27

Who: Train, REO Speedwagon & Yacht Rock Revue Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 7PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

AUGUST 2

Who: Imagine Dragons Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 7PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

AUGUST 3

Who: Missy Elliott - Out Of This World Experience Where: UBS Arena When: 7PM www.ubsarena.com

AUGUST 9

Who: Jennifer Lopez: This Is Me... Now The Tour Where: UBS Arena When: 8PM www.ubsarena.com

AUGUST 10

Who: Dan And Shay, Jake Owen & Dylan Marlowe Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 7PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

AUGUST 27

Who: Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan & Girlfriends Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 7PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

SEPTEMBER 12

Who: Pitbull

Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 8PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

Neighborhood News: Award Winning

Callahan's Beach

Thewhile fulfilling a public service need.”

extreme weather events and create a stunning destination for our community to enjoy throughout the years. These awards are symbolic of what we’ve achieved together.”Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

About the Awards:

Long Island Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers, deemed Callahans Beach Reconstruction Project the 2024 ASCE Long Island Branch Quality of Life Award recipient. Each year, the Long Island Branch proudly recognizes dedicated individuals and teams working on Long Island who have significantly contributed to our profession and the community. The award was presented to the Town of Smithtown and Hayduk Engineering, LLC during the Annual Awards Dinner on June 4th at Westbury Manor.

Town of Smithtown along with engineering firm; Hayduk Engineering has been notified that they will receive three major awards in the month of June for the Callahan's Beach Restoration Project. Long Island Business News announced that Smithtown’s Callahan's Beach Restoration has been awarded the 2024 Real Estate, Architecture & Engineering Top Green Project in Suffolk County. One week prior, the Long Island Branch of the American

Society of Civil Engineers, deemed Callahans Beach Reconstruction Project the 2024 ASCE Long Island Branch Quality of Life Award recipient. Additionally, New York State Society of Professional Engineers – Long Island Chapter notified Hayduk Engineering yesterday that the work at Callahan’s Beach has been selected to receive the Chapter’s Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award for “capturing the innovative and dynamic spirit of the engineering profession

“This is really a testament to the caliber of experts both in the public and private sector who we are proud to work with each and every day. Special thanks to Hayduk Engineering, Smithtown’s Parks Department, Jim Longworth, Pioneer Asphalt, and our Department of Environment and Waterways, who worked in lockstep with DEC… I will never forget the resilience behind this team. Even after witnessing the bluff and seawall collapse in the aftermath of Tropical Depression Ida and the northeaster that followed, they did not waver for a moment. Together with Hayduk Engineering, we executed a plan to rebuild access to the beach, protect the bluff and slope from future

LIBN Top Green Project for Suffolk County award honors Hayduk Engineering, LLC, bld Architecture, GEI Consultants, Pioneer Landscaping and Asphalt Paving and the Town of Smithtown for the Callahan’s Beach Restoration, Fort Salonga. The Real Estate, Architecture and Engineering Awards are selected by the LIBN editorial staff, honoring various professionals whose knowledge and expertise contribute to the economic growth of Long Island. The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, June 18th at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.

The New York State Society of Professional Engineers – Long Island Chapter, selected Hayduk Engineering, LLC and the Town of Smithtown to receive

Reconstruction continued on page 29

Neighborhood News: Award Winning Callahan's Beach Reconstruction

continued from page 28

the Chapter’s Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award for the Callahan’s Beach Reconstruction. The award will be presented during the Long Island Chapter’s annual Installation and Awards Dinner, on Wednesday, June 26th at Captain Bills’s Restaurant in Bay Shore.

About Callahan’s Beach

Reconstruction:

Major infrastructure repairs were necessary after the bluff and seawall at Callahan’s Beach collapsed as a result of Tropical Depression Ida and a second storm which caused further damage. Given the environmentally sensitive

Arico, the town awarded a contract to Pioneer Landscaping and Asphalt Paving Inc., for the project in February of 2023.

nature of the area, the town worked around the clock with the NYSDEC, seeking the agency's input and approval on how to move forward before any design or construction work could begin. Supervisor Edward Wehrheim, and the Smithtown Town Board, approved a contract with Hayduk Engineering to design a restoration solution that not only would provide access to the beach, but would protect the area from extreme weather events and serve as a stunning park for the public to enjoy throughout the years.

Under the supervision of Smithtown’s Parks Department Director, Joseph

The project included the installation of all new drainage infrastructure, along with the total reconstruction of the seawall. The stairs have been rebuilt, with platforms in between stories. The slope and the bluff had to be completely rehabilitated and features rows of terraces, erosion control matting, and native beach plantings. These features work to stabilize the slope, and are designed to withstand the harsh environment. All new walkways, curbing, and asphalt have also been completely paved. Additionally, the staircase was designed to have a breakaway function in the event of a severe storm that would allow the lowest portion of the staircase to breakaway, while the upper staircase remained intact. The project was completed on time and slightly under budget and has allowed the residents to enjoy access to the beach since November of 2023.

Additions and future upgrades to Callahan’s Beach:

The facility will remain open to the public, while the Parks Department will begin constructing a new playground and pickle ball courts at Callahan's Beach. Construction work on the playground and pickleball areas will be contained so that public access will not be interrupted.

some truth to the popular notion that "laughter is the

medicine." The United States Department of Veterans Affairs notes that laughter has physiological effects on the body that lead to changes in body chemistry and brain function. For example, laughter increases heart and respiratory rates and oxygen consumption over a short period. These changes ultimately move individuals into a state of relaxation. Additional research has found that laughter can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, supporting the suggestion that laughter is an effective and even multi-faceted "medicine."

Tips For Picking And Cutting Watermelon

Watermelon

is a summertime staple. Each summer, stores and farm stands have an abundance of watermelons on display, and many people feel no picnic or barbecue is complete without watermelon.

Watermelon is a refreshing option on hot days. It’s ideal sliced and served, or can be included in fruit salads, smoothies, or even “spiked” cocktails. The key to a tasty watermelon is knowing how to pick one that is ripe while serving watermelon comes down to understanding some easycutting strategies.

• Choose a watermelon that has a firm, symmetrical shape. Avoid melons with bumps, dents, or cuts.

• Watermelons should be relatively heavy. They’re 92 percent water, and that juiciness should be reflected in a substantial weight for the melon’s size.

• Watermelon.org advises looking for a creamy yellow spot on the underside of the watermelon. This is called the “ground spot.” It indicates where the melon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. Once cut from the vine, a watermelon has about three to four weeks to be consumed.

• All parts of the watermelon are edible, including the seeds and rind. The rind can be pickled or cut up to use in stir-fry dishes.

When bringing watermelon to an event, it is a courtesy to bring it already sliced or cut up. This ensures the host or hostess does not have to tackle what can sometimes be a chore. Here are three techniques to cut a watermelon easily:

Cubes

1. Cut both ends off of the watermelon.

2. Stand the watermelon on one sliced end. Use the knife to slice down and cut off the rind.

3. After removing the rind from all sides of the melon, cut into discs about 1⁄2-inch in thickness.

4. Then cut those discs into cubes.

Slices

1. Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise.

2. Take one cut half and place it cut-side down.

3. Cut the watermelon into slices.

4. Repeat for the other cut half.

Strips

1. Cut the watermelon as you would with the slices. Rather than leaving it in large slices, turn the watermelon and cut the same size slices in the opposite direction. This creates strips that are easy for kids to grab and maneuver.

2. Repeat with the other half of the watermelon in the same manner.

A Cold Beverage Ideal For The Season

Summer is a season synonymous with relaxation. Sitting poolside or relaxing on a patio with a cold beverage is a great way to escape the daily grind and make the most of a warm evening, and the following recipe for “Summer Cantaloupe” from Andrew Schloss’ “Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits” (Storey Publishing) is tailor-made for summer nights.

Summer Cantaloupe

Makes about 1 quart

1 fifth (31/4 cups) 80-100 proof vodka

4 cups cantaloupe chunks

1 cup Simple Syrup (see below)

Finely grated zest of 2 lemons

Directions:

1. Muddle the vodka, cantaloupe and lemon zest with a wooden spoon in a half-gallon jar. Stir to moisten everything.

2. Seal the jar and put it in a cool, dark cabinet until the liquid smells and tastes strongly of melon, four to seven days.

3. Strain the mixture with a mesh strainer into a clean quart jar. Do not push on the solids to extract more liquid.

4. Stir in the Simple Syrup.

5. Seal and store in a cool, dark cabinet. Use within one year.

Simple Syrup

Makes 3 cups

2 1/4 cups water

21/4 cups granulated cane sugar

Directions:

Mix the water and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar is all moistened. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from the heat and let cool. Refrigerate for up to three months.

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