Spring SpringCleaning

residents take inventory of their living spaces and aim to declutter, clean and increase e ciency. Some people nd the prospect of getting organized overwhelming. Here are some tips that can help anyone master spring cleaning.

• Create a plan. Make a checklist and establish a cleaning plan of attack. Focus on areas that are not regularly cleaned, as they probably need a little attention.

• Assemble your cleaning kit. Spring cleaning can be slowed down considerably if you don’t have all of your equipment at the ready. Items to have on hand include an all-purpose cleaner, concentrated cleaner, micro ber cloths, paper towels, mop, vacuum, dusters, and a squeegee. Adjust your equipment based on the task at hand.

• Curate your cleaning playlist. Create a playlist with songs that will get you moving and motivated to clean.

• Work from top to bottom. Work e ciently by cleaning shelves, ceiling fans and other elevated items rst, as dust and debris will trickle down and need to be cleaned next.

• Purchase or rent a carpet cleaner. According to the experts at Clean at Up, carpets help lter indoor air by trapping debris and allergens. By deep cleaning carpets, homeowners can improve the indoor air quality of their homes. Use a carpet cleaner on a warm, dry day so that windows can be opened and cross breezes will help dry the damp rug.

• Clean windows. Wash windows inside and out and utilize their screens to help brighten indoors spaces.

• Deep clean the kitchen. Clean out and disinfect the refrigerator by wiping it down with warm water and baking soda or a vinegar-and-water solution. While in the kitchen, set the oven to the self-clean function so it becomes cleaner as well.

Homeowners also can focus on cleaning curtains (including shower curtains), steam-cleaning upholstery, removing clutter from closets, cleaning out the dryer vent and duct tubing, wiping inside kitchen drawers, and vacuuming under beds and other furniture.

Spring cleaning can bring the revitalizing nature of this beloved time of year into your home.

Put

Town Money Saver

Bacon-Wrapped Filets with Herb Butter

5 tbsp. salted butter, softened

1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

1 tbsp. chopped fresh chives

1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp. dijon mustard

2 8-10 oz. beef lets (2” thick)

Salt & pepper, to taste

2 slices bacon

1 tbsp. olive oil

Mash 4 Tbsp butter with the parsley, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice and mustard in a small bowl. Scoop the butter mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Wrap up and form into a 3” log. Refrigerate until rm, about 30 min. Preheat the oven to 450˚. Generously season the steaks on both sides with salt and pepper. Wrap each steak around the edge with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Heat the olive oil and remaining 1 Tbsp butter in a medium cast-iron skillet over mediumhigh heat. When the butter melts, add the steaks to the skillet and sear until golden brown, about 1 min per side.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook 7 to 10 minutes for medium rare. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a slice or two of the cowboy butter on top.

Pan Seared Sea Scallops

12 Sea Scallops (Fresh Or Frozen)

Salt And Pepper

1 1/2 tbsp. Butter, Divided

1 Lemon, Juiced

Place scallops on a clean paper towel and thoroughly dry. Heat a seasoned cast iron skillet on medium-high for about 5 min. In the last minute, add ½ Tbsp butter to the skillet and melt. Salt and pepper the scallops and add them to the skillet. Cook for about a minute on each side. Remove the scallops and place on a clean plate. Turn o the heat and add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the cast iron skillet. Allow to melt and then add lemon juice. Drizzle on top of the scallops. Serve immediately.

Chocolate Lava Cakes

Baking spray

1 stick butter

2 oz. bittersweet chocolate

2 oz. semisweet chocolate

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

2 whole eggs

3 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup all-purpose our Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Preheat the oven to 425o. Spray four custard cups with baking spray and place on a baking sheet. Microwave the butter, bittersweet chocolate and semisweet chocolate in a large bowl on high until the butter is melted, about 1 min. Whisk until the chocolate is also melted. Stir in the sugar until well blended. Whisk in the eggs and egg yolks, then add the vanilla. Stir in the our. Divide the mixture among the custard cups. Bake until the sides are rm and the centers are soft, about 13 minutes. Let stand 1 minute. Invert on individual plates while warm and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Breakfast WORD SEARCH

Words

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