What's Up? Georgian Bay - March 2023

Chocolate and Avocados Never Looked so Good Together

(NC) Avowhat? You read that right, the secret ingredient in this silky chocolate pie is an unsuspected fruit: an avocado from Mexico! With its creamy, butterlike texture, it lightens up this chocolatey dessert. Decorated with a coconut whipped cream, there are more than enough reasons to have another slice!

Avocado Chocolate Pie

Prep time: 1 hour

Cook time: 30–35 minutes

Serves: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

CRUST

1 ½ cups (375 ml) chocolatey cookie crumbs

5 tbsp (75 ml) butter, melted

FILLING

1 medium ripe avocado from Mexico

1 (14 oz / 354 ml) can of condensed milk

4 oz (125 g) of cream cheese, room temperature (1/2 stick)

1 tbsp (15 ml) juice of lemon

1 tbsp (15 ml) juice of lime

4 oz (125 g) dark chocolate

¼ cup (60 ml) coconut flakes for garnish

COCONUT WHIPPED CREAM

1 (14 oz / 354 ml) can coconut milk refrigerated for at least 24 hours

3 tbsp (45 ml) powdered sugar

1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

COCONUT WHIPPED CREAM

1. Carefully open coconut milk can and set aside all the solid coconut milk. Do not use the water at the bottom of the can.

2. Pour the coconut milk in a stand mixer and whisk with the sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy and medium peaks form. Use immediately or keep in a sealed container in refrigerator till ready to use. (It can always be re-whipped just before use if it has gone too flat.)

CHOCOLATE PIE

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. In a bowl, mix the chocolatey cookie crumbs with the melted butter.

3. Press crumbs into the bottom and sides of a 9” pie plate or spring form pan.

4. In a blender, mix the avocado, condensed milk, cream cheese and citrus juices until well blended.

5. In a double boiler on the stove, heat the chocolate until fully melted and set aside to cool slightly.

6. Fold the avocado mixture gently into the chocolate, incorporating well to get a uniform brown colour. Pour mixture onto crust.

7. Bake pie at 400°F for 5 minutes and then turn down the heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the middle is just set when you shake the pan slightly. Cool completely.

8. Garnish with fresh coconut whipped cream and top with coconut flakes if desired!

There’s so much to be happy about in March! Happy Spring, Happy Sunshine (Daylight Savings Time) and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

With the arrival of spring, the weather gets warmer and the days get longer. Spring is also a time of renewal, new growth and fresh starts. I’m so happy when I see the flowers start to return – daffodils and crocus and tulips – oh my!

Our community is important to us and we take pride in being part of the community through your shared stories and pictures.

Thank you to all of our advertisers and readers for your support.

Publisher

Victoria Ledden

JOHN ARMSTRONG,

OWNER/ PUBLISHER/ AD SALES

Victoria Ledden | 705-429-0761 | vledden1@gmail.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Joy Fleury | joyfleury@gmail.com

DESIGN Project 818B Marketing | kim@project818b.com

MAILING

Show Your Love with a Delicious Meal

(Family Features) On top of their taste as appetizing snacks, oranges are perfect for cooking in recipes like Citrus Marinated Flatiron Steak Salad or Citrus Cherry Cobbler that take advantage of their natural sweetness and allow for mouthwatering meals, sides, desserts and more.

CITRUS BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

1/4 cup Orange Juice

1/4 cup Tangerine Juice

2 teaspoons Orange zest

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 1/2 cups olive oil

FLATIRON STEAK SALAD

1 1/2 pounds flatiron steak

2 cups Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette, divided

1/2 cup Orange segments

1/2 cup Grapefruit segments

2 quarts baby spinach

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup radish, thinly sliced

1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

Citrus Marinated Flatiron Steak Salad

To make citrus balsamic vinaigrette:

Combine orange juice, tangerine juice, orange zest, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard and salt and pepper, to taste. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously. Set dressing aside.

To make flatiron steak salad:

1. Place flatiron steak in container and add 1 cup citrus balsamic vinaigrette. Marinate in refrigerator at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours.

2. Heat grill to medium-high heat.

3. Grill steak to desired doneness. Remove from heat and rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly.

4. In large mixing bowl, combine orange segments, grapefruit segments, baby spinach, red onion, cherry tomatoes, radish and cucumber. Add remaining citrus balsamic vinaigrette, as desired, and toss well to combine.

5. To serve, divide salad and sliced steak among four plates and top with crumbled goat cheese.

COBBLER

4 cups cherries, pitted, juice reserved

1/2 cup Orange Juice

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups Orange segments, seeded

1/2 cup Grapefruit segments, seeded

TOPPING

1 cup all-purpose flour

6 tablespoons light brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large egg, beaten

3 tablespoons milk

1. To make cobbler: In medium saucepan, combine cherries and reserved juice, orange juice, sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch. Bring to simmer, stirring constantly. Cook 1 minute and remove from heat. Add butter and stir until melted. Cool and add orange segments and grapefruit segments. Pour filling into baking dish or pie pan.

2. To make topping: Heat oven to 350 F.

Citrus Cherry Cobbler

3. In food processor, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. Add butter and pulse until butter is cut into small, peasized pieces. Remove flour mixture from food processor and place in mixing bowl. Add egg and milk; stir until just combined.

butter

4. Drop topping mixture by tablespoon over filling until almost covered.

5. Bake until topping is browned and filling is bubbling and hot. Remove from oven and cool slightly before serving.

3 Easy Tips to Stay on Top of Your Nutritional Goals

(NC) The benefits of a healthy diet go beyond physical appearance. A nutritious diet, supported by a healthy lifestyle, helps us thrive both mentally and physically. Whether you’re trying to hit a certain physical goal or are seeking to manage a medical condition, below are three easy tips to stay on top of your nutrition.

Read Your Labels

Food labels are more than just a tool to count calories. They also allow us to track ingredients and macronutrients. That’s especially important if you have allergies or food restrictions because of a medical condition such as kidney disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. Read labels carefully and count your macro nutrients so you don’t go over your nutritional limits.

Cook for the Week Ahead

Busy lives make it hard for us to cook daily. Luckily, many recipes are easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer. One evening a week try batch cooking a couple of recipes, cutting up veggies for your salads and making an easy snack to grab on the go like eggplant and chickpea bites. Having a few of your meals ready for the week ahead will cut down cooking time and help keep your nutrition on track.

Make a Plan and Stick to It

When we’re at a loss for what to eat, we tend to grab the first thing we see or cave into cravings. In both cases, we tend to stray from nutritional goals. To prevent that, consider creating a structured meal plan to help you avoid impulse eating and make cooking time less stressful. If you struggle to plan ahead, look for online tools that can make it simpler by tracking macro nutrients and ensuring you’re staying within your nutritional limits.

However you plan your food, remember that physical activity should always accompany a healthy diet for an overall healthy lifestyle.

EASTER HOLIDAY MENU

TURKEY OR HAM DINNER $28 with Stuffing, Gravy/Cranberry Sauce

Mashed Potato, Fresh Veggies, Salad, Bread and Butter - Take Out

CALL TO ORDER: 705-429-3034

PICKUP 1246 Mosley St., Wasaga Beach

SEAFOOD PLATTER $55 includes Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Crab Legs and Calamari - Take Out Wasaga Beach Denture Clinic

Real Estate Broker

Cozy Cold-Weather Recipes to Warm You Right Up

(NC) As the temperatures dip outside, find warmth in the kitchen with simple meals that taste great and keep you energized. Here are two cozy recipes that feature nourishing and comforting ingredients like rice, for long-lasting energy that won’t weigh you down.

French Onion Rice Bake

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 2 hours

Serves: 4 – 6

INGREDIENTS

7 cups (1.75 litres) sliced Spanish onions (about 6 medium)

2 tbsp (30 ml) butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 bay leaves

¼ tsp (1 ml) each salt and pepper

1 ½ cups (375 ml) long-grain brown rice

2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped thyme

½ cup (125 ml) cooking sherry

3 cups (750 ml) beef broth

2 cups (500 ml) shredded Emmental (Swiss) cheese

Coarsely chopped parsley to garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. In a large, ovenproof skillet, cook onions with butter, garlic, bay leaves and salt and pepper over medium heat until golden brown and caramelized. Stir in rice and thyme; deglaze pan with sherry and cook for 1 minute. Stir in broth and bring to a simmer; cover tightly with foil.

3. Bake in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, until rice is cooked. Uncover and sprinkle evenly with cheese; return to oven and broil for 2 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

4. Garnish with chopped parsley to serve.

Chicken and Rice Alfredo

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 55-60 minutes

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

1 cup (250 ml) long-grain white rice, uncooked

1¾ cups (415 ml) water

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

¾ teaspoon salt or to taste, divided use

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 1 pound total

1½ teaspoons dried oregano

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup (240 ml) prepared Alfredo sauce

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Combine rice, water, oil and ½ teaspoon of the salt in an 8-inch by 8-inch (or 1 1/2-quart) baking dish. Stir gently until well blended.

3. Place chicken pieces on top of rice mixture and sprinkle evenly with oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt.

4. Cover tightly and bake 50 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed.

5. Remove from oven, spoon or pour Alfredo sauce evenly, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and peas. Bake, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

The Master Gardener’s Corner

THINGS TO DO IN AND FOR YOUR GARDEN

March 2023

• Start tuberous begonias & caladiums corms in pots.

• Plant brassicas (the cabbage family) seeds and hardy annuals for late May planting outdoors.

• Start tomatoes, lettuce and other fast growers from seed in late March to early April.

• Make a list of spring chores in the order they should be done, if you haven’t already done so.

• Order summer flowering bulbs. Try www.botanus.com

• Order/buy seeds for summer planting NOW!

• Check, repair and sharpen your gardening tools.

• Apply combination dormant oil spray to fruit trees and pest-prone shrubs when abovefreezing weather permits.

• Bring Spring indoors. Start forcing branches of spring-flowering shrubs like Forsythia.

• If you can find them, buy narcissus bulbs and grow them in gravel with water.

• Prune summer-flowering shrubs and vines.

• When the snow is gone from your garden beds and they are still wet, but before the new leaves emerge, apply triple-19 agricultural fertilizer liberally. It’s available at the Midwest Co-Op in Markdale at $37.40 a 55 lb bag.

• Plan to plant a few bird-attracting, native berry plants and shrubs, plus pollinator perennials for bees and butterflies.

• When the snow goes, loosen up and dig in packed down winter mulch and press any perennials that have heaved, back into place.

Things to do in your garden each month, taken from the Ontario Master Gardener Calendar by John Hethrington, past President, Master Gardeners of Ontario. For more information, or to get your own copy of the 11” x 17” calendar of the full year’s tips for a $2 contribution to Master Gardeners, call 519-599-5846.

SPRING/SUMMER JOBS

If there are any students out there who are interested in garden work after school this spring and summer, please get in touch now. There are lots of jobs available.

Contact John Hethrington john@casacarole.com

A Must for Your Mexican Fiesta

(NC) Looking for inspiration for your next dinner party? A Mexican fiesta is a tried and true hit. Serve delicious, spicy margaritas alongside this grilled beef and avocado from Mexico salsa verde, put on a festive playlist and put away those winter blues.

GRILLED BEEF & SAUTÉED VEGETABLE WRAP WITH AVOCADO SALSA VERDE

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4 to 6

INGREDIENTS

GRILLED BEEF

1 lb (450 g) beef (Bavette, strip loin, inside round, etc.)

1 garlic clove, minced

3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil

2 tsp (10 ml) ground cumin

1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika

1/2 tsp (2 ml) cayenne pepper

SAUTÉED VEGETABLES

1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil

2 yellow bell peppers, sliced

2 red bell peppers, sliced

2 red onions, sliced

1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin

DIRECTIONS

AVOCADO SALSA VERDE

1 can of tomatillos, strained and chopped

1/2 red onion, minced

1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped

2 avocados, peeled, pitted and diced

Zest and juice of 1 lime

GARNISHES

Tortillas

Sour cream

1. For the grilled beef: in a bowl, mix all the ingredients and rub the meat.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a hot pan or on the barbecue, grill the meat on both sides and finish cooking in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes according to the desired cooking. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

3. For the vegetables: in the same pan, cook the vegetables until golden brown. Season with cumin, salt and pepper and set aside.

4. For the avocado salsa verde, mix all the ingredients and season with salt and pepper.

5. Spread the sour cream on the tortillas and garnish with sliced meat, grilled vegetables and avocado salsa verde.

5 Ways to Pay Fewer Taxes & Get a Bigger Refund

(NC) Canadians are feeling the pinch of the rising costs of living, with recent consumer price index data revealing one quarter of Canadians are cutting back on essentials like food, utilities, shelter and clothes to make ends meet. While we can’t control potential price increases for our weekly grocery shop, at the gas pumps, or in interest rates - we can ensure we maximize our tax refund this season.

I knit for charity and can help you reduce your yarn clutter.

“Think of it as the push-pull tax return effect. The name of the game is finding credits that help you lower your taxable income and then finding benefits you can claim to make sure you’re also getting the biggest possible return,” says Yannick Lemay, tax expert at H&;R Block. “There are a few things we can all do to ensure we take advantage of available programs.”

Following these five tips could get you a bigger refund:

1. Check the tax credits you’re entitled to. There are over 400 credits and deductions available for anyone. Claim childcare benefits, medical expenses not covered by insurance, moving expenses for school or work, union dues and employment expenses, including the Canada Workers Benefit. Additionally, most provinces have their own benefits, such as the Climate Action Incentive Payment that was made available to most provinces this year. It can mean up to $1,000 in quarterly payments for some families.

2. Maximize your registered savings account contribution. Though it doesn’t necessarily equal a bigger refund, if you invest in a registered savings account, such as an RRSP, you not only end up with a generous nest egg, but you also lower your taxable income, as contributions to these accounts are not taxed.

3. Donate to charity. When you donate to a registered charity, you can claim that donation on your taxes by submitting the receipt. You’ll get a percentage of your donation returned to you – a win-win.

4. Claim interest on student loans If you’ve got student loans, the interest payments are tax deductible – nice to have over years of payments.

5. Coordinate with your spouse to transfer credits. When one spouse earns less annually than the other, some of the higher-earning spouses’ credits can be transferred to the lower-earner.

Tax benefits and credits are constantly shifting, and so is each person’s unique life, employment and financial situation. Lemay says that when in doubt, seek advice from a tax expert who’s trained to help maximize your return..

How to Combat Seasonal Allergies at Home

(NC) Dust mites. Cats and dogs. Household cleaning products. The air inside your home can be a big source of allergens. If you or a family member suffer from allergies, or just like the idea of cleaner, fresher air in your home, here are some easy things you can do:

KEEP OUTSIDE ALLERGENS OUT

Take off your shoes when you enter your home to avoid bringing in dirt containing pollen and pesticides. In the spring and fall, keep windows and doors shut when outdoor allergens, such as pollen, are high. Don’t let dirt from the outdoors accumulate inside.

REDUCE PET DANDER

Pet dander, which is skin cells routinely shed by animals, is a serious allergen for many people. To reduce pet allergens like this in your home, bathe your pets regularly, vacuum area rugs and carpets often and use air purifiers where your pets spend the most time. During high pollen season, wipe them down when they come indoors to keep outdoor allergens outside.

CONSIDER HARD SURFACE FLOORING

Carpets and area rugs can hold and store allergens such as dust, pet dander, pollen and mould. These can become airborne when you, or your pets, walk on them. Hard surface flooring is a good choice for reducing the allergens in your home. Wash and vacuum your floors on a regular basis.

USE AN AIR PURIFIER

Even though vacuuming is a valuable way to reduce allergens at home, many allergens are microscopic – so small that they remain airborne. The size of pet dander, for example, is five microns. And one micron is just 1/25,000 of an inch. This is where good-quality air purifiers can be especially helpful. True HEPA allergen-remover purifiers capture up to 99.97 per cent of microscopic particles that pass through their filters, keeping your air at home fresher and cleaner.

Looking South Across Riverbend Plaza at Wasaga Beach

This is the bird’s-eye view of Riverbend Plaza at Wasaga Beach that Georgian Bay seagulls will see if they fly over this area of the Nottawasaga River. This view is looking south and from left you can see the junction of Oxbow Park Road where it joins River Road on the east (left) side of the bridge. To the very left of the bridge is the Schooner Town Parkette. On the righthand side of the bridge is the Riverbend Plaza and readers can pick out McDonald’s and Tim Horton’s restaurants in the parking lot. Mosley Street is in the foreground at bottom-left and then turns to the right (west) in front of Riverbend Plaza.

This photograph was taken in 2013 by local authorphotographer, George CzernyHolownia of Collingwood. His latest book, “Our Changing Collingwood”, provides aerial photos of both Collingwood and the Blue Mountain Resorts’ area through the past three decades.

Submitted by George Czerny-Holownia

3 Ways to Prevent Ice Damming During a Thaw

(NC) Whether you like the look of a snow-covered roof or cheer when it melts, you probably won’t appreciate the damage ice dams can cause to yours.

Ice dams are created when rooftop snow melts during warmer days and then freezes when temperatures drop again. At their worst, ice dams can prevent further melting snow from running off your roof and instead cause it to leak into your home. Water penetration from ice dams can damage your home’s structure, finishings and contents.

Since they’re a normal part of winter and spring, make sure you’re prepared for ice dams. The best way to deal with them is to prevent them from forming in the first place.

Here are three ways you can do that:

1. KEEP EAVESTROUGHS CLEAR. Having eavestroughs clear of leaves and other debris can help ensure that water from melting rooftop snow is properly directed off your roof. Ideally, you should clear eavestroughs in the months leading up to winter, but it’s still worth doing in winter and spring months if it’s safe.

2. TAKE CONTROL OF ROOFTOP SNOW AND ICE. Make your roof part of your snow clearing routine. Soon after a snowfall, use a roof rake to remove snow from the first few feet of your roof. If .you already have ice buildup and want it removed, consider hiring an experienced professional to do it for you. Avoid climbing onto the roof to try to clear snow or ice - you can damage your home and seriously hurt yourself. Throwing salt or de-icing chemicals on roof ice is also a bad idea, as they may cause shingles to deteriorate.

3. INVEST IN HEATING CABLES. Although it may be too late for this season, one thing you can consider for next year is to install heating (or de-icing) cables on your roof. These cables are installed on top of the shingles and along the roof line. When activated, they heat up to melt rooftop snow and ice before they turn into a problem. If you want to prevent ice dams effectively and with the least ongoing effort, heating cables are a good investment.

Find more home maintenance tips at tarion.com.

Photo by George Czerny-Holownia

Month-by-Month Spring Home Maintenance Tips

(NC) After months of wind, snow and ice, spring maintenance should be on your mind to prevent lasting damage to your home.

Your spring upkeep should serve two purposes. The first is to assess and address any damage that occurred over the winter. And the second, of course, is to make sure your home is ready for the warmer weather to come.

If you own a newly built home, seasonal maintenance is especially important because it helps protect your warranty. New homes in Ontario come with a builder’s warranty that lasts up to seven years from the date of possession. However, if you neglect to do the regular maintenance your home needs, any resulting damage may not be covered.

To help you kickstart your spring maintenance, here is a handy month-by-month checklist:

March

• Clean the furnace filter, heat recovery ventilator and humidifier.

• Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries if necessary.

• Check and reset any ground fault circuit interrupters once a month.

• Check the attic for roof leaks, water damage or insulation issues.

• Check the sump pump (if applicable).

• Remove snow and ice from the roof overhang and vents to prevent ice damming and water damage.

April

• Check eavestroughs and downspouts for damage or blockage.

• Inspect the basement or crawlspaces for leaks.

• Check the roof for loose or cracked shingles.

• Check driveways and walkways for frost damage.

• Check your water heater for leaks.

• Turn on the exterior water supply.

• Plan landscaping in a way that will avoid soil settlement and water collecting near your home’s foundation.

May

• Inspect fences for weather-related or other damage.

• Check caulking for air and water leaks.

• Check exterior finishes for wear that requires attention.

• Check that windows and screens are operating properly.

• Check the septic system if you have one.

Find more seasonal maintenance tips and warranty information online at tarion.com.

CLEARVIEW’S 3 ON 3 YOUTH HOCKEY TOURNAMENT RETURNS.

The tournament is open to Youth ages Under 9 to Under 16 with $5,000 in prizes, trophies and draws!

Free admission all weekend to watch!

Tournament Dates: March 31 to April 2, 2023

Location: Stayner Community Centre and Creemore Community Centre

Registration Closes: Tuesday March 14, 2023 $650 per team

Community Pancake Breakfast in support of the Clearview Youth Centre!

Where: Stayner Arena

When: Saturday, April 1 from 8 AM to 11 AM

Details: www.discoverclearview.ca/3on3

A Weeknight Recipe

(NC) Make room for Spring at the table with this recipe full of sunshine and freshness. Quick and delicious, it will be your best ally on busy weeknights with its exotic spices and avocado creamy sauce. Treat yourself while waiting for the return of sunshine.

Spicy Rice & Black Bean Bowl with Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Sauce

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4 - 6

INGREDIENTS

RICE AND BLACK BEANS

2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil

1 onion, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin

1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander

1 ½ cup (375 ml) rice

2 ½ cups (625 ml) water

1 can (540 ml) black beans, rinsed and strained

3 green onions, minced Cilantro leaves, to taste

AVOCADO SAUCE

2 avocados, peeled and pitted

¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream

DIRECTIONS

¼ cup (60 ml) cilantro leaves

3 tsp (45 ml) chive, minced

2 tsp (30 ml) olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

½ jalapeño, seeded and minced

Zest and juice of 1 lime

½ cup (125 ml) water

GARNISHES

2 avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced

1 mango, peeled and sliced

2 beets, cooked and thinly sliced

4 radishes, thinly sliced

12 large shrimp, grilled

Lettuce or other greens, to taste

1. In a saucepan, heat oil and sauté onion with garlic and spices. Add rice and stir. Add water, reduce heat and cover. Simmer until rice has absorbed all the liquid. Remove from heat. Add black beans, green onions and cilantro. Season to taste.

2. For the avocado sauce, using a food processor or blender, purée all the ingredients and season with salt and pepper. Add water, if necessary, until smooth.

3. Transfer the rice to serving bowls and garnish, to taste. Drizzle with the avocado sauce.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAR SAFER AND ON THE ROAD LONGER

(Family Features) No matter what or where you drive, you can keep your current vehicle looking and performing its best - and even update it to make it safer - with these tips

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIRES

When it comes to driving in a winter wonderland, there is no substitute for specialized rubber and tread patterns - purchase a dedicated set of snow tires to ensure you’re safe all winter long. No matter your situation, a new set of tires can maximize safety and extend the life of your car.

NEW LOOK, NEW RIDE

One way to breathe new life into your ride is to take it to the next level aesthetically. With enthusiast communities growing around nearly every make and model of vehicle, it’s easy to find parts to make your vision a reality. One of the most eye-catching additions is a new set of wheels, and there are thousands of brands, styles and sizes to choose from for every car. The addition of front, side and rear aerodynamics kits, such as front splitters or rear spoilers, can give any ride that athletic look. Upgrading stock headlight and taillight units - many fitted with high-visibility LEDs - has never been easier.

UPGRADE YOUR TECH

Safety and creature comforts alike can add to your enjoyment of your vehicle, even if you’ve been

driving it for several years. Many cars can be updated with the latest and greatest features available in new rides, including high-tech infotainment equipped with digital assistants, front and rear cameras, parking sensors, blind spot warning and even collision avoidance systems. As families look to extend their cars’ lifespans, these technology upgrades can make driving comfortable and safer.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE

While looks and tech can bring new experiences to your car, no change has quite the same impact as improving its performance. Options abound for those looking to improve the power and handling of their ride, such as replacing the exhaust system, lowering springs, adding a coilover kit or conducting a full suspension replacement.

FIND PURPOSE-BUILT PARTS

Whether you’re an amateur DIY-er looking to maintain and make small upgrades to your vehicle or an expert looking to make bigger modifications, finding parts and accessories that fit your vehicle is crucial. From hard-to-find performance modifications to made-to-fit cosmetic accessories, for nearly any vehicle, skillset and project.

SKIP THE WAIT

The global supply chain continues to recover from disruptions that have stretched back several years, and many customers are feeling the strain when it comes time to upgrade, maintain or repair their vehicles. Some shops around the country are quoting waiting times of several months just to have the right part delivered for service. However, families can find relief and get their car back on the road quicker by looking online to source their much-needed parts. In fact, many technicians work with customers to have parts delivered directly to their shop from online sources to expedite and simplify the process.

KITCHEN CABINET PAINTING

Refinish your existing cabinetry or install new doors, hardware, sinks, counters, even add to your existing cabinetry.

Visit our Showroom: 1470 Mosley St., Unit 5, Wasaga Beach

705-429-9382

info@georgiangraniteworks.ca

@GeorgianGW georgiangraniteworks.ca

(NC) Craving chips but not a fan of the processed ingredients on the label? This homemade, spicy chips recipe comes together in a snap. It’s perfect for a keto diet and has all the goodness of an avocado and all the deliciousness of parmesan! All that’s left to do is catch up on your favourite tv show while it cooks.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

1 large ripe avocado

1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice

¼ tsp (1 ml) garlic salt

¼ tsp (1 ml) smoked paprika

1 pinch of cayenne, to taste

¾ cup (175 ml) freshly grated parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mash the avocado with the lemon juice until well pureed. There can be some small lumps, this will add nice colour to the chips. Add the spices and cheese until well incorporated.

3. Place dollops of roughly 1 tbsp onto the baking sheet spaced two to three inches apart.

4. Using a second sheet of parchment paper, cover the dollops and flatten them with the back of a spoon or your palm in order to make circles approximately three inches wide.

5. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes before gently flipping and cooking another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove onto a cooling rack to let dry completely and crisp up. You can do this in two batches or cook on two baking sheets at the same time.

Plan a Perfect Long Weekend Staycation

(NC) There’s nothing quite like going on vacation. But not every holiday has to be a long one: three-day weekends can feel just as luxurious if planned right.

Get the most out of your long weekend with a few expert tips and tricks:

CAPITALIZE ON THE “STAYCATION”

With gas prices sky high, it’s a great time to practice the art of the staycation. Take this opportunity to visit local places you may have never had a chance to see. Look online or ask friends and family for recommendations of great local gems around your city. Book a room at a hotel or Airbnb, sample new-to-you restaurants and get out to play tourist.

PACK SMART

Whether you’re a tourist in your own town or you go farther afield, only bring what you need for your planned activities. For any type of exploration, the key is to keep smart footwear in mind. When our feet are not properly supported, it can be harder to stay on your feet all day.

Once you land on a destination or staycation plan, do your research and determine what attractions, sites and bites you might want to work into your schedule. Take into account the distance between activities, parking options if you’re driving, and how walkable different locations are from one another. Planning things for a Thursday rather than Friday can save you loads of cash and hassle.

It’s Tax Refund Time: Where to get Free Tax Help

(NC) Tax season comes around each year. Are you hoping to get a refund this year to help pay the bills? Or maybe you could use benefit payments to help you and your family make ends meet?

In order to get these benefits, you need to do your taxes.

If you need some help, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program may be an option. Through the program, community organizations across Canada host free, in-person or virtual tax clinics where volunteers complete income tax and benefit returns for eligible people.

If you have a low or modest income and a simple tax situation, it can be worth reaching out, since filing your taxes allows you to get benefits and credits like the GST/HST credit, the Canada child benefit and the Canada dental benefit It’s also how you claim a refund or find out if you have to pay tax.

You and your spouse or common law partner need to do your taxes by April 30th every year to keep accessing benefits and credits, even if you have little or no income. Since April 30th is a Sunday this year, the deadline is Monday, May 1, 2023.

You can see if you’re eligible for free tax help or find a CVITP tax clinic at canada.ca/taxes-help.

All About March

Mobile Soup Kitchen

This exciting venture began this year, when Councilor Potts posted a photo of a man stealing a BBQ tank. This sparked the interest of a few community members who began sharing stories and photos of other homeless tent camps in the area.

The group of concerned community members, Councilors Ring, Potts, Perry, the OPP and some employees of Busby (local shelter) made plans to meet and discuss how they could help in any way. During this meeting many wonderful ideas were brought up but the greatest was an amazing offer by Councilor Potts. Chris Potts offered his food truck to any volunteers who would like to feed the hungry. It didn’t take long before the volunteers jumped at this opportunity and donations began to pour in.

One week later we had soup donated by local restaurants, bowls, coffee, snacks, breads and all kinds of warm clothing items. We head out twice a week with five stops and any food left over is given to the pantry at the Youth Center or Busby Shelter. Hope Chapel has also graciously loaned the use of their kitchen for all our preparation.

It has been an amazing eye opening experience making us proud to be a part of. We would like to thank our supporters as well as Northwinds, Sol Kitchen, Kelseys, Charlie’s Diner, Kitch N Savy and Cobbs breads for all the delicious food. Many other businesses have assisted as well A’s Supply, Home Depot, and Loblaw. Our volunteers have been so great and without all these helpers we couldn’t offer such wonderful care.

Scheduled days are Wednesday and Saturday 4pm-6pm making stops at Hope Chapel, TD Bank, Collingwood Library, Walmart, Busby (Pleasant Manor Motel).

For more information or to find out how you can help, visit our Facebook page…

Submitted by Rhonda Day

Photo by Kathy Reid

Photo by Kathy Reid

Photo by Councilor Steve Perry

Photo by Kathy Reid