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Courtesy by Doodle Dog Graphics
Welcome to our May issue of Seasons® Magazine! Mother’s Day is just around the corner and before we know it, Memorial Day will be here. Staying true to our seasonal flare, we’ve gathered a selection of timely editorial pieces, along with informative local stories. We appreciate your loyal readership and look forward to continue serving our community. Looking to advertise? Seasons® Magazine is published monthly in print and online. Contact us for more information today.
Tips To Make Mother’s Day Extra Special
Mother’s Day is celebrated each May and marks a perfect opportunity to show Mom how much she’s loved and appreciated. Mother’s Day has been celebrated for more than 100 years, and in that time mothers have grown accustomed to certain staples of the holiday. A bouquet of fresh flowers, Sunday brunch at a local restaurant and some gifts from a partner and the children have become standards each Mother’s Day.
While Mother’s Day standards may never lose their appeal, families looking to make this year’s celebration a little more unique can consider these ideas.
• Whip up (or order in) some baked goods. If Mom is the family baker, surprise her this year with some homemade baked goods.
An aroma of freshly baked goodies around the house can set a welcoming tone for the day, particularly if the treats are prepared in the morning before Mom wakes up. Partners and children whose baking skills leave a little to be desired can get some freshly baked treats from a local bakery and have them waiting for Mom when she wakes up.
• Take to the road. Another way to make Mother’s Day extra special is to make the celebration a weekend affair. A weekend getaway can be a welcome breath of fresh air for mothers and serve as a great opportunity for the family to unwind and celebrate Mom away from everything that reminds her of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A getaway can be an especially ideal surprise
for mothers whose children are full grown. Invite adult kids along and make their attendance a surprise for Mom.
• Book a unique experience. Experiential gifts have been wildly popular in recent years, so why not incorporate this trend into Mother’s Day celebrations? Book a tour of a local vineyard or winery, take Mom to a live theater performance, or take her out for a day on the water, complete with brunch and a champagne toast. Such memorable experiences won’t soon be forgotten and can provide an exciting alternative to previous Mother’s Day celebrations.
• Ensure Mom doesn’t lift a finger. A truly special Mother’s Day will give Mom a day off. Partners
and kids can team up to take care of everything from the moment Mom wakes up until she returns to bed at night. Serve breakfast in bed, order in some lunch and then take Mom out for a nice meal at a local restaurant. In between meals, let Mom relax any way she sees fit, whether that’s curling up with a good book, dusting off her paint brush and engaging in some artistic endeavors and/or squeezing in a rare midday nap. Mom will undoubtedly appreciate a full day off, which might just make for the best gift of all.
Mother’s Day is the ideal time to offer Mom a unique experience that shows her how much she’s loved and appreciated.
Laughter Is The Best Medicine
There’s some truth to the popular notion that “laughter is the best 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.”
How To Build A Better Burger
May Is National Hamburger Month
Backyardbarbecue season is starting to heat up. Although many people grill all year long, grilling season kicks into high gear in spring and summer. Burgers will always be a quintessential grilling fare. It should come as no surprise that the month of May is National Hamburger Month. That’s likely due to Memorial Day weekend — which many view as the unofficial start of summer — being one of the first times of the year people begin grilling burgers. Despite burgers’ popularity, it’s easy to make mistakes when preparing them.
minutes prior to grinding for the best results.
Fat Is Key
For the most juicy, flavorful burger, you’ll want a ratio of 80 percent meat to 20 percent fat. Some people like to eat lean, but with a burger, the fat will be necessary and it’s better to select leaner meats for other dishes.
Don’t Overwork The Meat
Handling the burger patties too much can lead to dense, tough burgers. Gently shape the burgers into round, 1-inch thick, flat discs. To prevent the burgers from rounding in the middle during cooking, press a dimple with your thumb in the center of the patty to help it cook evenly. It’s a smart idea to weigh each patty to ensure uniformity of size and even cooking.
Don’t Add Salt Early On
Salt added to the ground meat before it’s shaped can draw the liquid out of the meat, leaving a dry burger behind. Sprinkle salt sparingly while it is cooking for flavoring.
from ground meat. According to BBC Good Food, burgers can be cooked for 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium and 8 to 9 minutes per side for well done. For the best results, use a food thermometer to check internal temperature. The USDA says ground meat, whether it’s pork, veal, beef, or lamb, should be cooked to 160 F
Flip As Desired
The cooking resource Serious Eats debunked the myth that burgers should only be flipped once. Flipping the burger repeatedly, as often as once every 15 seconds, encourages faster, more even internal cooking and can dramatically reduce cooking time.
Keep The Patties Separate
These tips can help anyone build a better burger.
Use Freshly Ground Meat
Buying ready-made ground meat (of any variety) is taking a gamble because you don’t know when it was ground, how many animals it came from or how it was handled. By freshly grinding the meat at home you will have greater control over the cut of meat and the fat content. Personally ground meat will be fresher, especially when you get nice cuts of meat directly from your local butcher. Top chefs suggest dicing cold meat into chunks and freezing for about 10
Avoid Overcooking
Most health authorities recommend not leaving any pink meat in a burger made
Let everyone build their own burgers, as keeping the cooked meat away from the burger buns for as long as possible will reduce the chances of the juices making the buns soggy. Soft, squishy buns tend to make for good burger eating, as they will not overwhelm the meat with too much crusty bread. The smell of grilling burgers is in the air. Ensure that every burger is a masterpiece by utilizing some important cooking tips.
There’s no place like home and for moms, it’s where love, laughter, and memories are made. This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the women who turn houses into homes. Whether it’s the kitchen where we gather, the living room where stories are shared, or the backyard where memories are built, moms make it all come alive.
As you create a space for your loved ones to grow, we are here to help you find a home that fits not just your needs, but your heart.
To the moms who make every house a home, thank you for all you do.
Make Mom A Great Breakfast In Bed
Theremay be no better way to start Mother’s Day than serving Mom some breakfast in bed. A homemade meal before Mom even gets out of bed can set the right tone for a day that celebrates all mothers have done and continue to do for their children. There’s no shortage of breakfast in bed options to serve Mom this Mother’s Day. If Mom loves a traditional hearty morning meal, this recipe for “Mixed Berry French Toast” courtesy of Taste of Home (tasteofhome.com) is sure to please.
Directions:
Whisk together the first 6 ingredients. Place bread cubes in a 13 x 9-inch or 3-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour egg mixture over top. Cover and refridgerate 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove berries from freezer and French toast from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake French toast, covered, 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, cut butter into brown sugar until crumbly. Top French toast with berries; sprinkle with brown sugar mixture. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with syrup
Though Memorial Day precedes the summer solstice by several weeks, the threeday weekend in late May is widely viewed as the unofficial start of summer. Backyard barbecues have become a popular way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend, and all eyes tend to be on the grill once a party kicks off.
Food is indeed a big component of Memorial Day weekend. A 2024 survey from the market research experts at Numerator found that 52 percent of Memorial Day celebrants intended to grill or barbecue at home during the holiday weekend. Hosts likely recognize that guests will expect to eat during a backyard barbecue, and the following are some
ideal dishes to offer this Memorial Day weekend.
• Salads: Weather is unpredictable, but conditions tend to be warm in many parts of the country by Memorial Day weekend. That means some guests will be looking for lighter fare that won’t make them feel too sluggish in the late-spring sun. Salads can fit the bill for hungry guests who want to satisfy their cravings without feeling bloated. Tri-color pasta salad, antipasto and tossed salad make for great appetizers that pack a nutritional punch as well. Of course, don’t forget staples like macaroni and potato salad, which are often best served alongside grilled fare.
• Smoked foods: Smoking meats has become wildly popular in recent years. A 2024 report from Research and Markets indicated that the global markets for smoker grills is projected to increase from $6.8 billion in 2023 to $9.3 billion in 2030. Memorial Day weekend barbecue hosts can consider the growing affinity for smoked foods and offer something up from their own smoker. There’s no shortage of foods that can be smoked, from whole chickens to brisket to desserts, and guests may appreciate a smoky taste of something different this Memorial Day weekend.
• Hot dogs and hamburgers: Though experimentation and
unique offerings are sure to be appreciated, it’s also important to offer guests some traditional backyard barbecue staples. Perhaps nothing fits that bill better than hot dogs and hamburgers. A 2024 analysis of grocery store sales conducted by Upside found that sales of store-brand hot dog buns increase by 449 percent over Memorial Day weekend, even though hamburger bun sales make up more than half (54 percent) of all bun sales over the rest of the year. Hot dogs and Memorial Day weekend seem to go hand-in-hand, but that doesn’t mean a grill should go burgerfree come this popular late-May holiday. Upside reports hamburger bun sales increase by 273 percent over Memorial Day weekend, proving hosts and guests really favor these staples when kicking off summer celebration season.
• Water: It’s easy to overlook when the focus is on food, but water is a necessity at Memorial Day weekend barbecues. Water can help people remain hydrated and cool off if temperatures spike, and it also can help adults avoid overindulging in alcohol. The Numerator study found 76 percent of Memorial Day shoppers purchase beer over the weekend, and alcohol can lead to dehydration. Offering water can help guests remain hydrated and encourage responsible alcohol consumption.
Learn The Meanings Behind Popular Mother’s Day Flowers
Mother’sDay is a time to express love and appreciation for mothers, sentiments that are often expressed with gifts. Flowers are a popular present to bestow on Mother’s Day, as they can brighten a room and bring a sweet aroma to any household.
While any flowers may ultimately suffice on Mother’s Day, gift givers may want to select flowers for Mom that convey specific messages. The language of flowers has been recognized for centuries. Though perhaps not as heralded as it once
was, flower symbolism persists to this day. Here’s a look at some of the meanings behind certain types of flowers to help guide Mother’s Day gifting.
• Amaryllis: These plants start as bulbs and are naturally spring-blooming flowers. The name comes from the Greek word “amarysso,” which means “to sparkle,” and they symbolize pride.
• Aster: These daisy-like flowers are delicatelooking perennials. Asters make great gifts because they symbolize love and daintiness.
• Begonia: There are more than 2,000 types of begonias, and the flower symbolizes deep thoughts. Begonias were made famous by French horticulturist Michel Bégon, who thought the blooms looked like beautiful girls.
• Bleeding heart: These flowers are red and pink blossoms that look like the perfect heart shape with a teardrop at the bottom. They’re beautiful and symbolic of love and affection.
• Buttercup: These are associated with youthfulness
and cheerfulness and can call to mind childhood days spent picking buttercups and holding them under chins to reveal that you like butter. The flower is known for its beauty and innocent charm.
• Camellia (white): White camellias stand for purity and innocence, but they also symbolize admiration and respect. Camellias make beautiful additions to any bouquet.
• Daisy: Daisies are happy-looking flowers, and according to Norse mythology they represent motherhood and children.
• Delphinium: Delphin-iums come in pink, white and blue varieties and embody youth and renewal. They’re a good pick if you want to convey a continued or renewed affection for a person.
• Tulip: Tulips with an orange hue are thought to represent understanding and appreciation. They can express appreciation for Mom or another special person. Yellow tulips symbolize happiness, while pink tulips are symbolic of love. Red blooms should be reserved for sweethearts.
Various flowers symbolize feelings people want to express to their mothers, grandmothers and other special women on Mother’s Day.
SMake Your Barbecue A Success
ummer unofficially starts with the arrival of Memorial Day at the end of May. Although it is a holiday designed to honor American military personnel who have died in various wars, it also serves double-duty as a chance to gather with friends and loved ones and enjoy the return of the warm-weather entertaining season. Barbecues are the centerpieces of Memorial Day celebrations. It may have been awhile since the grill was fired up, so anyone can use a little refresher course in barbecue etiquette. Here are some tips for making the most of Memorial Day parties.
Ready the grill
If your grill has lain dormant for several months, it’s wise to inspect and thoroughly clean it in advance of Memorial Day. Insects like spiders may have built homes inside, and grease and grime may be lingering from last year. Ensure the grill is in top form before cooking for guests.
Keep food safety in mind
A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found more than half of study participants don’t try to wash their hands when preparing food. Wash hands thoroughly to ensure guests do not get sick at the barbecue. Keep food refrigerated until it is ready to be cooked or served. Use a food thermometer to cook to the required internal temperature to make sure bacteria is destroyed. Do not use the same utensils that touched raw meat to remove cooked food from the grill.
Arrange for shade
It can get quite warm outdoors even in May for many areas of the country. Therefore, prepare a
spot where guests can escape the sun. If you don’t have enough table umbrellas, consider light netting or canopies for shade. Shift them as needed as the sun moves across the sky.
Develop a signature rub
Set your food apart with unique flavors. Create a summer food rub using the herbs and spices you prefer. Make a big batch to use throughout the grilling season.
Don’t leave food sitting
The USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service advises that food should not be left out for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90 F. Keep buffet-style food covered so that insects do not land on the items and run the risk of contamination. Promptly move leftovers indoors if you plan on keeping them.
Offer a variety of beverages
It’s important to stay hydrated when the weather is warm. Stock the cooler with plenty of water, juices, iced teas, and the like. If you plan to serve alcoholic beverages, keep them separate from the non-alcoholic items so that children do not have access.
Make it a pot luck
If you will be hosting, reduce some of the work by having the main foods available and ask guests to bring the sides and beverages. This will defray the costs and relieve some of the pressure.
Memorial Day barbecues can be successful with some planning and simple safety measures.
Treat Mom To A Classic Pasta Dish
Moms often work tirelessly to care for their families, with many juggling careers and time spent at home. It’s a balance that is sometimes tricky to manage, and at times mothers need to have their loads lightened. Children or spouses who learn to cook can take some pressure off of Mom. Mother’s Day is a prime opportunity for other members of the household to spend time in the kitchen. Pasta dishes generally are easy to prepare and can feed a crowd. Such is the case with this recipe for “Carbonara” from “Rachael Ray: Memories and Meals From a Sweet and Savory Life” (Ballantine Books) by Rachael Ray.
Carbonara
Serves 4
1⁄4 cup approximately EVOO
1⁄3 pound chunk of meaty pancetta or guanciale, cut into 1⁄4-inch dice
4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced or chopped
1 1⁄2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
1 cup white wine
6 large egg yolks
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano, plus more to pass Salt
1 pound bucatini or spaghetti
1⁄2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (a fat handful of leaves)
Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, heat the EVOO, four turns of the pan. Add the pancetta or guanciale and render for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and pepper and stir 1 minute more. Add the wine and reduce by half (about 7 minutes), then reduce the heat to low.
In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks and grated cheeses to the liberally salted boiling water and cook to 1 minute less than al dente per the package recommendation.
Remove about 11⁄4 cups of starchy cooking water from the pot and whisk it into the egg yolks in a steady stream to temper them. Reserve an extra 1⁄2 cup of starchy water just in case. Drain the pasta or transfer it with a spider or tongs to the pan with the pancetta and garlic. Remove the pan from the heat and add the tempered egg yolks and parsley. Toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thin, return the heat to the lowest setting and, stirring constantly for 2 to 4 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Add salt to taste.
Note: Many recipes for this dish include heavy cream. Such recipes may be delicious, but they’re not authentic. The creamy consistency here comes from tempering the eggs and emulsifying them with oil, cheese and cooking water.
7 Ways To Honor Active Military And Veterans
Amajorportion of the North American population is comprised of people who are actively serving in the Armed Forces or those who once did. USAFacts reports the military included 2,079,142 military personnel and 778,539 civilians as of September 2023. In 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated there were 15.8 million veterans in the U.S. In Canada, the 2021 Census of Population found that 97,625 Canadians were serving in the Canadian Armed Forces while 461,240 Canadians were characterized as veterans.
Military men and women work tirelessly and selflessly to defend their countries’ ideals and freedoms. Too often military members do not get the attention and acclaim they deserve. The month of May, which celebrates Military Appreciation Month as well as Memorial Day, is a perfect
support.
• Donate to a nonprofit that supports veterans. Many charities do important work to bridge the gap in care or services needed by veterans or active military members. Using hard-earned dollars to fund these nonprofits is money well spent.
• Ask a veteran to be a keynote speaker. Schools or businesses can ask military members to come in and speak to groups about their experiences. Newspapers and other local publications can write about veterans and share their stories.
• Pay respects to the country. A simple way to honor veterans is to embrace and showcase national pride. Flying the country’s flag in front of homes and businesses is a first step. Attending patriotic events,
such as parades and memorials, also is a way to honor veterans and others.
• Keep cemeteries clean. Respect the hallowed land that is the final resting place for veterans by volunteering to tidy up around headstones and other markers. On key calendar dates, such as Memorial Day, help with the placement of flags on every veteran’s grave as a token of thanks for their sacrifice.
• Volunteer at a VA hospital. Now more than ever VA hospitals may be shortstaffed and have need of more volunteers to help with various services. Volunteer work can include visiting patients or running recreational activities, both of which can boost the spirits of veterans receiving care.
time of year to honor those who have served in various ways.
• Improve the community. Veterans want the communities they call home to be the best they can be, and that can be achieved by community members pitching in to improve their towns and cities. Doing something honorable, like establishing a park in honor of veterans, can be a great way to improve a community and honor service personnel at the same time.
• Support veteran-friendly policies. By supporting policies and organizations that prioritize veterans’ rights, individuals are showing veterans they care. Policies that ensure veterans have access to services they need warrant everyone’s
Millions of people embrace opportunities to get back in their gardens each spring, and they might be reaping more rewards from that activity than they realize. According to the American Institute of Stress, gardening sparks a level of creativity among enthusiasts, and that can help to alleviate stress by lowering levels of the hormone cortisol. In addition, authors of a 2022 study published in the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening concluded that gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic helped people cope with coronavirusrelated stress through outdoor activity.
What Families Can Do To Honor Fallen Veterans
Thefreedoms people living in the United States are afforded would not have been possible to provide if not for the brave efforts and undying commitment of the many individuals who have served in the nation’s armed forces. American military personnel have played vital roles in securing freedoms for their fellow citizens as well as individuals overseas. Each year on the final Monday in May, the United States commemorates military personnel who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. Those individuals made the ultimate sacrifice, and Memorial Day is a way to honor them and thank their families for their selfless acts. This Memorial Day, families can embrace various measures to honor fallen veterans.
• Visit a local veterans cemetery. The United Service Organization (USO) notes that most
states have national veterans cemeteries. Though some veterans cemeteries are open only to family members of service personnel, others are open to the general public. Visiting a veterans cemetery is a great way to honor fallen military members and ensure the memory of their service and sacrifice is not forgotten on Memorial Day.
• Celebrate veterans over Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day weekend is now synonymous with getaways and backyard barbecues. By taking time out during the weekend to honor fallen veterans, families can ensure the meaning behind the holiday is not lost in the midst of celebrations with family and friends. Take time out during a family barbecue to discuss a family member who served
or, if traveling, make an effort to visit a veterans memorial along your travel route.
• Help raise funds for veterans organizations. Fun runs or community Memorial Day walks may benefit local veterans organizations that help service members in need. Many service members may need help dealing with the deaths of friends or family members who died while serving in the armed forces, and veterans organizations may provide such help or direct funds to groups that do. That makes participation in events that benefit veterans organizations a great way to honor current military personnel and those who have served in the past, including those who died in service of their country.
• Teach youngsters
about the role of the armed forces. There’s a lot competing for the attention of today’s young people, and that can make it easy to overlook the very freedoms that make the United States such a unique country throughout world history. Parents and guardians can emphasize the role the armed forces play in procuring and protecting freedoms in the United States and emphasize the significance of the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to ensure a higher quality of life for all U.S. residents. Memorial Day commemorates military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. There is much families can do to ensure those sacrifices are never forgotten or taken for granted.
